Stearyl Alcohol1 ●
TL;DR. This ingredient is a waxy structurant and emulsion stabilizer that thickens creams, lotions, conditioners, and balms. It also improves slip, cushion, and a soft afterfeel on skin and hair.
What does Stearyl Alcohol1 do in a cosmetic formula?
This ingredient is a waxy structurant and emulsion stabilizer that thickens creams, lotions, conditioners, and balms. It also improves slip, cushion, and a soft afterfeel on skin and hair.
Is Stearyl Alcohol1 clean?
It is generally well tolerated, low in sensitization concern, and not a common clean-standard restricted-list issue. It is different from small, volatile drying alcohols and is used mainly for texture and stability.
Is Stearyl Alcohol1 sustainable?
This material is commonly made from vegetable oils, often palm, palm kernel, or coconut, and it can also be made from petrochemical feedstocks. It is readily biodegradable, with the main sustainability question being traceable, responsibly certified plant sourcing.
Is Stearyl Alcohol1 COSMOS-approved?
It is permitted under COSMOS-natural and COSMOS-organic when the feedstock and processing route meet the standard, especially for vegetable-derived grades. Its Green Chemistry profile is favorable when made from renewable oils using efficient hydrogenation and reduction steps, with good biodegradability and low aquatic persistence.
How does Stearyl Alcohol1 work chemically?
The molecule is a saturated C18 single-hydroxyl-chain material with a waxy solid form and a melting range around 58 to 60°C. Typical use levels are about 0.5 to 10%, where it builds viscosity, supports lamellar gel networks, and is broadly stable across normal cosmetic pH ranges.
Last updated 2026-05-13