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.
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Ingredient Snapshot

Overview
A wax-like ingredient that softens skin with a silky finish.
Category
Barrier Support, Skin Conditioning, Tone/Texture
Type
Emollient

Ingredient Ratings

Overall Rating

Good

Comedogenic Risk

Low

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.

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.

Comedogenic Rating

C20-40 Alkyl Stearate has a comedogenic rating of 1. It has a very low likelihood of clogging pores.

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.

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.

Products with C20-40 Alkyl Stearate

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