Tridecyl Stearate

Tolerability and safety

Irritation potential

Low

Allergen risk

Low

Pregnancy

Safe

Suitable for

Normal, Dry, Oily, Combination, Sensitive

About this ingredient

Tridecyl Stearate is an ester of tridecyl alcohol and stearic acid. Made synthetically from plant feedstock. Used as a lightweight emollient with a non-greasy finish. Mechanism. Ester emollient – fills intercellular spaces in the stratum corneum, smooths skin, improves spread. Leaves no greasy film, unlike classic stearates (e.g. isopropyl stearate). Plays well with UV filters and silicones. Where applied. Face and body creams, foundations, primers, butters and lipsticks, products for oily and combination skin. Often part of compound emollient systems (Tridecyl Stearate + Neopentyl Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate + Tridecyl Trimellitate – the well-known Hallstar 'Liquid Wax' complex). Evidence base. As a functional ingredient it has no specific RCTs. CIR confirmed the safety of the whole tridecyl-ester group, including tridecyl stearate, in 2010. Safety. Non-sensitising. Comedogenicity per brand data and Begoun 2007 is low (1-2 on a 0-5 scale), but for acne and rosacea lighter alternatives (caprylic/capric triglycerides or squalane) are still a better pick. Pregnancy and lactation – safe. Usable in creams, butters and sunscreens without restrictions.

Frequently asked questions