Cholesterol
One of the three key stratum corneum lipids alongside ceramides and fatty acids. Helps restore the barrier in dryness and atopic dermatitis.
Evidence by route
Topical application
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.
How to read tiers A–F
- BLimited evidence. One RCT or several controlled studies with limitations
Tolerability and safety
- Irritation potential
- Low
- Allergen risk
- Low
- Pregnancy
- Safe
- Suitable for
- Oily, Dry, Sensitive, Combination, Normal
About this ingredient
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.
Frequently asked questions
Is Cholesterol safe during pregnancy?
Cholesterol is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
What skin types is Cholesterol for?
Cholesterol suits: oily, dry, sensitive, combination, normal.
What is Cholesterol and what does it do in cosmetics?
One of the three key stratum corneum lipids alongside ceramides and fatty acids.
What's the INCI name for Cholesterol?
The INCI name is Cholesterol.
See Cholesterol in a product composition right on the store page
The Evigrade extension adds an evidence panel to iHerb, Sephora, Druni 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.
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