C18 fatty alcohol from coconut or palm oil. Works as an emollient and co-emulsifier, gives creams a dense stable texture.
Topical application
CWeak evidence. In vitro data, open-label studies, or expert consensus.
Mild fatty alcohol without the irritation potential of ethanol or methanol. Frequent base ingredient in moisturizing creams.
Stearyl alcohol is a long-chain C18 fatty alcohol. Despite the name, it is not a solvent alcohol (like ethanol). It is a waxy substance that acts in cosmetics as an emollient, co-emulsifier, and thickener. INCI: Stearyl Alcohol. Sourced from vegetable oils (coconut, palm) or petrochemical synthesis. Appears as solid white pellets or flakes that melt around 59°C. Main functions are thickening creams and emulsions, stabilizing emulsions with cetyl alcohol, softening the skin, and supporting barrier function. Typical use concentration is 1% to 10%. Found in face and body creams, hair conditioners, and protective formulas. Pregnancy safety. Stearyl alcohol is considered safe during pregnancy. Minimal absorption through intact skin, metabolizes to ordinary fatty acids. No systemic activity. Lactation safety. Safe while breastfeeding. Topical use does not reach milk. Skin safety. Very low irritation and allergen risk. Suitable for sensitive, dry, and atopic skin. Comedogenicity around 2/5 on the Fulton scale, considered moderate among fatty alcohols. In finished products it rarely clogs pores due to low concentration and dispersed form. Compared with cetyl alcohol. Cetyl alcohol (C16) feels lighter and less waxy, while stearyl alcohol (C18) is denser and stabilizes heavier emulsions. Often combined as Cetearyl Alcohol, a blend of the two. Bottom line. Stearyl alcohol is a reliable emollient and stabilizer, safe during pregnancy and lactation, low-allergen, moderately comedogenic when used neat.
Irritation potential
LowAllergen risk
LowPregnancy
SafeSuitable for
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Stearyl Alcohol is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
Stearyl Alcohol suits: normal, dry, oily, combination, sensitive.
C18 fatty alcohol from coconut or palm oil.
On the Fulton scale 2/5 – low comedogenicity. For acne-prone skin, a rating of 3 or higher suggests choosing an alternative.
The INCI name is Stearyl Alcohol. It may also appear as: 1-Octadecanol, Стеариловый спирт.
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