Hexyldecyl Stearate
Branched ester of hexyldecyl alcohol and stearic acid. Lightweight emollient with a slippery texture, substitutes mineral oil and silicones. Common in sunscreens and foundations. Low irritation, non-comedogenic, pregnancy-safe.
Supporting ingredient
It gives a product its texture, stability or shelf life. It has no claimed effect on the skin, so an efficacy tier does not apply. What is known about its safety is below
Tolerability and safety
- Irritation potential
- Low
- Allergen risk
- Low
- Pregnancy
- Safe
- Suitable for
- Normal, Dry, Combination, Oily, Sensitive
About this ingredient
Hexyldecyl Stearate is a synthetic branched ester made by esterifying hexyldecyl alcohol (C16, branched) with stearic acid (C18, saturated). The branched chain keeps the ester liquid at room temperature, unlike linear analogues. INCI: Hexyldecyl Stearate. In formulas it works as a medium-weight emollient – between dry alkanes and heavy plant oils. It appears in sunscreens, BB creams, primers, foundations, and lip products. Use levels are 1-10%. It solubilizes oil-soluble actives (UV filters, tocopherol, retinyl esters) and improves their spread on the skin. Pregnancy safety. The molecule is too large for meaningful skin absorption. CIR rated the branched fatty-acid ester group as safe at current use levels. No teratogenic effects. Skin tolerance. Low irritation. Low allergen risk. Non-comedogenic (score 0-1 depending on the methodology). Suitable for sensitive skin including rosacea and perioral dermatitis. Unlike mineral oil, it leaves a less greasy after-feel. Comparison with other esters. Isopropyl myristate and isopropyl palmitate, which often appear at similar positions on labels, have higher comedogenic ratings (3-5). Hexyldecyl Stearate is a safer alternative for acne-prone skin. No standalone active effects. It is a texture and solubility ingredient – many sunscreens and foundations cannot reach their target sensorial without it.
Frequently asked questions
Is Hexyldecyl Stearate safe during pregnancy?
Hexyldecyl Stearate is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
What skin types is Hexyldecyl Stearate for?
Hexyldecyl Stearate suits: normal, dry, combination, oily, sensitive.
What is Hexyldecyl Stearate and what does it do in cosmetics?
Branched ester of hexyldecyl alcohol and stearic acid.
Is Hexyldecyl Stearate comedogenic?
On the Fulton scale 0/5 – non-comedogenic. For acne-prone skin, a rating of 3 or higher suggests choosing an alternative.
What's the INCI name for Hexyldecyl Stearate?
The INCI name is Hexyldecyl Stearate.
See Hexyldecyl Stearate 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.
Similar role in the formula
Other functional ingredients
Hexylene Glycol, Hydrated Silica, Hydrochloric Acid, Hydrogenated Castor Oil, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Santalol, Triethylhexanoin, Ceteareth-6 Olivate
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