One of the three key stratum corneum lipids alongside ceramides and fatty acids. Helps restore the barrier in dryness and atopic dermatitis.
Topical application
BLimited evidence. One RCT or several controlled studies with limitations.
Clinical work shows barrier improvement when using a ceramide:cholesterol:fatty acid ratio of 3:1:1 or 1:1:1. The ingredient appears in atopic skin formulas.
Cholesterol is a sterol alcohol, one of the three key stratum corneum lipids (alongside ceramides and free fatty acids). Cholesterol share of the lipid matrix is 25%. Added to cosmetics either synthetic or from lanolin (animal-derived). Where applied. Repair creams for atopic and dry skin, post-procedure products, eczema and psoriasis formulations. Concentration 0.1-5%. In Spain – in CeraVe, Eucerin, Aquaphor (Eucerin), Skinceuticals Triple Lipid Restore. Mechanism. Cholesterol integrates into the stratum corneum lipid matrix, restoring intercellular lipid lamellar structure. Together with ceramides and free fatty acids it forms lamellar bilayers that retain water and block irritant penetration. Optimal ratio. Studies (Man 1996, Mao-Qiang 1995) showed that a ceramide:cholesterol:free fatty acid ratio of 3:1:1 gives maximum barrier recovery. Skinceuticals Triple Lipid Restore implements this – the only commercial product with the declared correct ratio. Evidence base. AAD 2024 and Spanish AEDV 2023 recommend physiological-lipid formulas (ceramides + cholesterol + fatty acids) as first-line in atopic dermatitis. RCT (Spada 2018) showed barrier recovery and TEWL reduction by 25-40% over 4 weeks in eczema patients. Safety. CIR confirmed safety at use concentrations. Hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic. Systemic absorption is minimal. Allergic reactions are very rare, described in lanolin-allergic patients (if cholesterol is wool-derived). Pregnancy and lactation – safe. Acceptable at any stage on any area. Safe on the nipple during breastfeeding. Suitable for. Atopic dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, xerosis, post-procedure recovery. No point in formulas for oily and normal skin without barrier disruption.
Irritation potential
LowAllergen risk
LowPregnancy
SafeThe Evigrade extension adds an evidence panel to Wildberries, Goldapple, Letu, iHerb, Sephora and 12 more stores. This ingredient and every other one in the product show evidence-tier, allergen risk and pregnancy/lactation flags at a glance.
Cholesterol is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
Cholesterol suits: oily, dry, sensitive, combination, normal.
One of the three key stratum corneum lipids alongside ceramides and fatty acids.
The INCI name is Cholesterol. It may also appear as: Холестерол, Холестерин.
Published: · updated:
Suitable for