Snapshot
- Overview
- A wax-like ingredient that softens skin with a silky finish.
- Category
- Barrier Support, Skin Conditioning, Tone/Texture
- Type
- Emollient
C20-40 Alkyl Stearate
C20-40 Alkyl Stearate is the name for long-chain stearic acid esters used in skincare and makeup. It's used for silky emollience, improved spread, a low-grease afterfeel, and light film formation that refines texture and cushions the skin.
Like this ingredient?
Our take
Is C20-40 Alkyl Stearate a Good Ingredient?
This lightweight emollient improves spread and leaves a refined, satiny finish, which earns a Good rating; evidence for direct treatment outcomes is limited, so its value is mainly in feel and barrier support.
What it does
Skin Benefits
Softens the look and feel of dry areas and leaves a satiny finish, providing a lightweight, comfortable afterfeel that doesn't weigh skin down.
Where you'll find it
Uses in Skincare & Cosmetics
Frequently used in moisturizers, primers, and sunscreens to improve silkiness, and also found in lip products and foundations for a refined, smooth application.
Before you use it
Safety
Generally low irritation risk and widely used in leave-on products. Very sensitive or acne-prone users may prefer a patch test to ensure the finish and film feel agreeable to their skin.
Products with C20-40 Alkyl Stearate
