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Stearyl Alcohol
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Stearyl Alcohol

ELFATTM – STO

Stearyl alcohol is a long-chain fatty alcohol derived from natural sources, renowned for its emollient, thickening, and co-emulsifying properties, widely utilized in personal care, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetic formulations due to its stability, skin compatibility, and versatility in creating various textures and delivery systems.

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CAS Number

112-92-5

HS Code

38.23.70.40

Molecular Formula

C₁₈H₃₈O

INCI Name

Stearyl Alcohol

Home/Products/Stearyl Alcohol

Stearyl Alcohol

ELFATTM – STO

Stearyl alcohol is a long-chain fatty alcohol derived from natural sources, renowned for its emollient, thickening, and co-emulsifying properties, widely utilized in personal care, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetic formulations due to its stability, skin compatibility, and

CAS Number

112-92-5

INCI Name

Stearyl Alcohol

HS Code

38.23.70.40

Molecular Formula

C₁₈H₃₈O

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Need pricing? Request a quote for this product and we'll get back to you shortly.

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Stearyl Alcohol
HDPE Drums
GI Drums
Bags

Product Specification

AppearanceWhite solid
Molecular Weight (G/Mol)270.5
Density Or Specific Gravity0.812 g/mL at 25 °C (lit.)
Viscosity4.006mm2/s
Refractive Index1.4356 (estimate)
Density0.812 g/mL at 25 °C (lit.)

Physical Properties

PropertySpecification
AppearanceWhite solid
Molecular Weight (G/Mol)270.5
Density Or Specific Gravity0.812 g/mL at 25 °C (lit.)
Viscosity4.006mm2/s
Refractive Index1.4356 (estimate)
Density0.812 g/mL at 25 °C (lit.)

Chemical Properties

PropertySpecification
Pka15.20±0.10(Predicted)
Water Solubilityinsoluble

Thermal Properties

PropertySpecification
Melting Point56-59 °C (lit.)
Boiling Point210 °C15 mm Hg
Flash Point185°C

Processing Methods & Reference Formulations

A. Cosmetic creams

Add Stearyl Alcohol to the oil phase and heat until fully melted. It functions as a thickener and co-emulsifier, improving cream stability, texture, and providing a rich, velvety skin feel.

Key IngredientsIndicative Dosage (% w/w)
Water (Purified)70.00%
Stearyl Alcohol4.00%
Cetyl Alcohol3.00%
Glycerin5.00%
Stearic Acid3.00%
Glyceryl Monostearate2.00%
Mineral Oil5.00%
Dimethicone2.00%
Triethanolamine (TEA)1.00%
Methylparaben0.20%
Propylparaben0.10%
Fragrance0.20%
Preservative0.50%

B. Hair conditioning shampoo

Add Stearyl Alcohol to the oil or surfactant phase and heat until fully melted. It enhances viscosity, improves creaminess, and provides a soft, conditioning feel to the shampoo.

Key IngredientsIndicative Dosage (% w/w)
Primary surfactants (SLES, SLS, ALES AETC.)8-12 %
Secondary surfactants (CAPB, CMEA, CDEA, CAO etc.)2-5%
Thickeners (Cetearyl Alcohol, Acrylates Copolymer, Carbomer etc.)2-3%
Stearyl Alcohol1-2%
Water70-80%
Conditioners, Preservatives, Humectants, Colorants etc.

C. Cleansers

In cleanser formulations, add Stearyl Alcohol to the oil or heated phase to function as a thickener and skin-conditioning agent. Combine well with surfactants to improve foam stability and skin feel. Cool gradually to prevent crystallization and ensure smooth consistency.

Key IngredientsIndicative Dosage (% w/w)
Propylene Glycol6%
Magnesium Aluminum Silicate1%
Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose0.1%
Glyoxyldiureide0.5%
Stearyl Alcohol1.5%
Cetyl Alcohol3%
Glyceryl Monostearate & Polyethylene Glycol (100) Monostearate2%
Polyoxyethylene (10) Soya Sterol2.5%
Polyoxyethylene (3) Myristyl Ether Myristate15%
Squalane12%
Polydimethylcyclosiloxane (Silicone Fluid 344)12%
Preservatives, Deionized Water

D. Lip balm

Add Stearyl Alcohol to the oil phase of the lip balm and melt it with waxes and butters. It helps improve the balm’s structure and stability while enhancing spreadability. Cool the mixture slowly to prevent graininess and maintain a uniform consistency.

Key IngredientsIndicative Dosage (% w/w)
Petrolatum30%
Beeswax20%
Castor Oil15%
Sweet Almond Oil10%
Stearyl Alcohol5%
Vitamin E1%
Fragrance0.5%
Tocopherol (Vitamin E)0.5%
Preservative (e.g., Phenoxyethanol)0.5%
Deionized Water17.5%

Dosing Guidelines

A. Dosing by Application

ProductsAuthorized dosage
Lotions & Creams0.1-3%
Shampoos & Conditioners0.1-3%

About Stearyl Alcohol

About Stearyl Alcohol

Regulatory Compliance

RegionMax Allowed LevelNotesCertification Body
United States-No explicit statutory maximum. CIR and FDA confirm stearyl alcohol is safe as currently used in cosmetics.FDA
European Union-Not restricted by the EU Cosmetics Regulation, can be used at any safe concentration.SCCS (Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety)
India-No explicit BIS maximum for Stearyl Alcohol in cosmetics.-
ASEAN-No specific maximum in the ASEAN Cosmetic Directive; follows international norms.-
Japan-No explicit statutory maximumMHLW – Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare
Australia-No statutory maximum-
China-No statutory maximumNMPA - National Medical Products Administration
Korea, Republic of-No statutory maximumMFDS - Ministry of Food and Drug Safety
ASEAN-No statutory maximum-

FAQs - Stearyl Alcohol

How does stearyl alcohol benefit skin barrier function?
Stearyl alcohol reinforces the intercellular lipid matrix of the stratum corneum, reducing transepidermal water loss and supporting barrier integrity without excessive occlusion.
Is stearyl alcohol comedogenic?
Despite being an alcohol, stearyl alcohol is non-drying and non-irritating with a comedogenicity rating of 2 (on a scale of 0–5). It’s generally suitable for most skin types when used at appropriate concentrations.
What differentiates stearyl alcohol from cetyl and cetearyl alcohols?
Stearyl alcohol (C18) provides more structure and hardness than cetyl alcohol (C16). Cetearyl alcohol is a blend of both, offering intermediate properties that can be tailored for specific textural profiles.
Can stearyl alcohol be used in natural or clean beauty formulations?
Yes, plant-derived stearyl alcohol (commonly sourced from coconut, palm, or shea) meets most natural and clean beauty standards when obtained through appropriate processing methods.
What temperature considerations are important when formulating with stearyl alcohol?
Stearyl alcohol should be incorporated at 5–10°C above its melting point (typically 65–70°C) with controlled cooling (around 1–2°C/min) to achieve an optimal crystal structure and the desired textural properties.

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