Emollient

Stearyl Alcohol

Fatty alcohol from coconut or palm oil — stearyl alcohol thickens formulas, gives creams a rich texture, and softens the skin. Despite the word "alcohol" in the name, it does not dry the skin — on the contrary, it is a mild emollient.

EmollientThickenerFatty alcoholtexture agent

⚠ Use with Caution

Comedogenic Rating

2/5

Irritation Potential

2/5

What is it?

Stearyl alcohol (octadecanol, C18) — a fatty alcohol of plant origin (coconut or palm oil). In INCI: Stearyl Alcohol. It is not a volatile alcohol — it does not dry or irritate the skin. A solid white substance at room temperature. Closely related to cetyl alcohol (C16) — together they form cetearyl alcohol.

Texture modifier and emollient in creams, hair conditioners, and lotions. Provides formulas with a rich, creamy consistency and softens the skin and hair. One of the main structural components of emulsion systems.

Key Benefits

✦

Rich texture and cream feel

Stearyl alcohol thickens emulsions and provides a characteristic rich, velvety texture — a typical feel of a rich night cream or hair mask. Without it, most emulsions would have too runny a consistency.

◈

Emollient and skin softening

Forms a protective lipid film on the skin's surface, reduces TEWL, and softens the stratum corneum. Especially effective for dry skin and dry hair ends.

✧

Emulsion stabilization

Together with emulsifiers (e.g., ceteareth-20) helps stabilize o/w and w/o emulsions. Increases viscosity and prevents formula separation.

Suitable for

Dry skinNormal skinMature skin

Main Actions

✓ Softening✓ Thickening✓ Emulsion stabilization✓ Barrier protection

Fatty alcohols ≠ volatile alcohols

Stearyl, cetyl, behenyl, cetearyl alcohol — fatty alcohols that moisturize and soften the skin. They should not be confused with volatile alcohol (ethanol, isopropanol), which can dry and irritate. If you see 'stearyl alcohol' or 'cetyl alcohol' in the composition — these are positive components.

CategoryEmollients

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