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Comprehensive Cosmetic Industry Ingredient Guide

THIS IS A UNIVERSAL REFERENCE GUIDE FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES

THE INGRIDIENT BELOW IS NOT USED IN MITOSKIN FORMULATION UNLESS STATED OTHERWISE

Ingredient
Stearyl Alcohol

Stearyl Alcohol

Summary

Stearyl Alcohol is a versatile cosmetic ingredient that is commonly used as an emollient, emulsifier, and thickener in a wide range of personal care products. It is a fatty alcohol derived from natural sources such as coconut oil and is known for its ability to improve the texture and feel of skin and hair. Stearyl Alcohol is also used as a stabilizer in formulations and can help to enhance the efficacy of other active ingredients. With its mild and non-irritating properties, Stearyl Alcohol is a popular choice for formulators looking to create high-quality, effective, and safe cosmetic products.

INCI Name and Common References

INCI Name: Stearyl Alcohol Common Terms: Octadecanol, 1-Octadecanol Nicknames: N/A

Function

Stearyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol that is commonly used in cosmetic formulations as an emollient, emulsifier, and thickener. It helps to soften and smooth the skin, while also providing a creamy texture to lotions, creams, and other cosmetic products. Additionally, stearyl alcohol can help to stabilize emulsions and prevent separation of oil and water-based ingredients. It is often used in hair care products to improve the texture and manageability of hair.

Science

Stearyl alcohol is a long-chain fatty alcohol that is commonly used in cosmetic and personal care products as an emollient and thickening agent. Its physical properties include a waxy texture and a high melting point, which allows it to form a protective barrier on the skin and prevent moisture loss. Additionally, its long carbon chain structure allows it to interact with other lipids in the skin, helping to improve the skin's natural barrier function and overall hydration. Overall, the physical properties of stearyl alcohol make it an effective ingredient in skincare products for improving skin texture and preventing dryness.

Benefits

1. Moisturizing: Stearyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol that helps to lock in moisture and prevent dryness, making it an excellent ingredient for hydrating and nourishing the skin. 2. Emollient: This ingredient has emollient properties that help to soften and smooth the skin, making it feel silky and supple. 3. Non-irritating: Stearyl alcohol is a gentle ingredient that is unlikely to cause irritation or allergic reactions, making it suitable for all skin types. 4. Enhances absorption: It can help other ingredients penetrate the skin more effectively, allowing them to work more efficiently. 5. Anti-inflammatory: Stearyl alcohol has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to soothe and calm irritated skin, reducing redness and inflammation. 6. Improves texture: It can help to improve the texture of the skin by reducing roughness and promoting a more even skin tone. 7. Anti-aging: Stearyl alcohol can help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by improving the skin's elasticity and firmness.

Negatives

Stearyl alcohol is a common ingredient in many personal care and cosmetic products. While it is generally considered safe for use, there are some potential side effects, sensitivities, and interactions that should be considered. One possible side effect of stearyl alcohol is skin irritation. This can occur in individuals who are sensitive to the ingredient or who have pre-existing skin conditions. Symptoms of skin irritation may include redness, itching, and swelling. Another potential side effect of stearyl alcohol is dryness. This can occur when the ingredient is used in high concentrations or in products that are not formulated to moisturize the skin. Dryness can lead to flakiness, cracking, and discomfort. In addition to these side effects, stearyl alcohol may also interact with other ingredients in personal care products. For example, it may interact with certain preservatives or fragrances, leading to decreased efficacy or increased risk of irritation. Individuals who are sensitive to stearyl alcohol or who have pre-existing skin conditions should be cautious when using products that contain this ingredient. It is also important to read product labels carefully and to avoid using products that contain other ingredients that may interact with stearyl alcohol.

Source

Stearyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol that is derived from natural sources such as coconut oil or palm oil. It can also be synthesized from petrochemicals. The processing pathway for stearyl alcohol involves the hydrogenation of fatty acids from natural sources or the reaction of petrochemicals with ethylene. The resulting product is then purified and distilled to obtain the final stearyl alcohol.

Safety

Stearyl Alcohol has a low safety rating score according to the EWG Skin Deep database. It has been rated as a 1 on a scale of 1-10, with 1 being the safest and 10 being the most hazardous. This indicates that Stearyl Alcohol is considered to be a low-risk ingredient for use in personal care products. Other sources also suggest that Stearyl Alcohol is generally safe for use in cosmetics and skincare products. However, as with any ingredient, it is important to use Stearyl Alcohol in moderation and to follow the recommended usage guidelines to avoid any potential adverse effects.

Sustainability

Stearyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol that is commonly used in personal care and cosmetic products as an emollient, emulsifier, and thickener. While it is derived from natural sources such as coconut oil or palm oil, the production of these oils can have negative environmental impacts. Palm oil production, in particular, has been linked to deforestation, habitat destruction, and the displacement of indigenous communities. However, some companies have committed to sourcing sustainable palm oil that is certified by organizations such as the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO). In terms of ethical sourcing practices, it is important to note that the production of coconut oil can also have negative impacts on workers and communities. Some companies have implemented fair trade practices to ensure that workers are paid fair wages and have safe working conditions. Overall, while stearyl alcohol itself may not have a significant environmental impact, it is important to consider the sourcing practices of the raw materials used to produce it. Consumers can look for products that use sustainably sourced palm oil or fair trade coconut oil to support more ethical and environmentally responsible practices.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Stearyl Alcohol is a versatile ingredient that is commonly used in personal care products due to its emollient and thickening properties. It is derived from natural sources such as coconut oil and is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics. However, it may cause skin irritation in some individuals. While Stearyl Alcohol is not harmful to the environment, its production may contribute to deforestation and other environmental issues. Overall, Stearyl Alcohol is a useful ingredient that can provide numerous benefits to the skin and hair, but it is important to use it in moderation and with caution.

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