Stearyl Alcohol

Stearyl alcohol is a C18 long-chain fatty alcohol that appears as a white, waxy solid from plant or synthetic sources and is nonvolatile. It's used to soften feel, increase viscosity, and support stable emulsions in creams, conditioners, and solid formats.
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Ingredient Snapshot

Overview
A fatty alcohol that thickens formulas and leaves skin feeling smooth.
Category
Skin Conditioning, Emulsifying, Barrier Support
Type
Emollient

Ingredient Ratings

Overall Rating

Good

Comedogenic Risk

Low

Skin Benefits

It leaves skin feeling cushioned and smooth while helping reduce the sensation of moisture loss, improving a plush, non-greasy afterfeel in rich formulas.

Uses In Skincare & Cosmetics

It's widely used in conditioners, thick creams, balms, and stick formats to add structure and a creamy glide, and found in body lotions for a more substantial texture.

Comedogenic Rating

Stearyl Alcohol has a comedogenic rating of 2. It has a low likelihood of clogging pores but may not suit all skin types.

Safety

It's considered low irritation and often suitable for sensitive skin; however, acne-prone users should patch test because fatty alcohols can be mildly comedogenic for some. No common regulatory restrictions are noted.

Is Stearyl Alcohol a Good Ingredient?

It rates Good for its dependable thickening and emollient benefits that improve cushion and support the moisture barrier with typically low irritation. Individuals prone to breakouts may experience some congestion at higher loads due to its moderate comedogenic rating, which is why it stops at Good rather than Great.

Products with Stearyl Alcohol

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