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.
Topical application
BLimited evidence. One RCT or several controlled studies with limitations.
Functional branched-ester emollient with safety confirmed by CIR. Well tolerated and non-comedogenic. Used as a solubilizer and texture modifier without standalone cosmetic activity.
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.
Irritation potential
LowAllergen risk
LowPregnancy
SafeSuitable for
The 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.
Hexyldecyl Stearate is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
Hexyldecyl Stearate suits: normal, dry, combination, oily, sensitive.
Branched ester of hexyldecyl alcohol and stearic acid.
On the Fulton scale 0/5 – non-comedogenic. For acne-prone skin, a rating of 3 or higher suggests choosing an alternative.
The INCI name is Hexyldecyl Stearate. It may also appear as: Гексилдецил стеарат.
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