Stearyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol used as an emollient and to help keep other ingredients intact in a formulation. It is not to be confused with the drying, irritating types of alcohol such as SD alcohol or denatured alcohol. This versatile ingredient also has cleansing and foam-boosting properties and isn’t considered drying on skin.
Acts as an emollient to soften the skin and prevent moisture loss. Acts as an emulsifier to help oil and water combine and give products a smooth consistency. Acts as a surfactant to help two substances that normally do not mix to become dissolved or dispersed in one another. Acts as a defoaming agent to reduce the tendency of finished products to generate foam when shaken. Acts as a cleansing agent to remove dirt and oil from the skin.
All skin types
Practically none
NA
Vegetable-derived
Safe for use in cosmetics and personal care products.
Good
Stearyl alcohol is often combined with cetyl alcohol to create cetearyl alcohol, which also has emollient properties. Fatty alcohols, including Stearyl and Oleyl Alcohols occur in small quantities as components of wax esters in plants and animals. The compounds serve to protect the outer surface of plants and animals from water loss. Cetearyl alcohol is a mixture of cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol, both of which are fatty alcohols. It is used in cosmetic products as an emollient, thickener, and stabilizer. Cetearyl alcohol is considered safe for use on the skin and hair, and it is non-comedogenic, meaning that it does not clog pores. Stearyl alcohol is also used in the production of detergents, lubricants, and plastics.
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