Stearyl Alcohol
A cosmetic ingredient used as emulsion stabilising, fragrance, opacifying in skincare, haircare, and personal-care products sold in the European Union.
What is it?
Octadecan-1-ol
What does it do?
Stearyl Alcohol is listed in the EU cosmetic ingredient inventory with the following declared functions:
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Emulsion stabilising
stabilises emulsions of oil and water, preventing separation over time
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Fragrance
provides scent or masks the natural odour of other ingredients
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Opacifying
makes a transparent or translucent formulation opaque or pearlescent
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Refatting
restores oils and lipids that washing strips from skin or hair
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Skin conditioning - emollient
softens the skin by reducing roughness and friction between skin cells
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Surfactant - cleansing
surfactant whose primary cosmetic role is cleansing — the active workhorse in soaps, shampoos, and body washes
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Surfactant - emulsifying
surfactant that forms and stabilises emulsions of oil and water — without it, creams and lotions would separate
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Surfactant - foam boosting
surfactant that increases the volume or stability of foam produced by other surfactants in the same formulation
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Viscosity controlling
adjusts the thickness or flow of a formulation
EU regulatory status
Stearyl Alcohol is allowed for use in cosmetic products in the European Union under Regulation 1223/2009. It is not subject to a specific Annex restriction at the time of writing.
Frequently asked questions
What is Stearyl Alcohol?
Stearyl Alcohol is a cosmetic ingredient catalogued in the EU CosIng database. Octadecan-1-ol
Is Stearyl Alcohol allowed in cosmetics in the EU?
Yes. Stearyl Alcohol is allowed for use in cosmetic products in the EU under Regulation 1223/2009.
What does Stearyl Alcohol do in cosmetic products?
Stearyl Alcohol is declared in the EU cosmetic ingredient inventory with these functions: emulsion stabilising, fragrance, opacifying, refatting, skin conditioning - emollient, surfactant - cleansing, surfactant - emulsifying, surfactant - foam boosting, viscosity controlling.
What is the CAS number of Stearyl Alcohol?
The CAS (Chemical Abstracts Service) number for Stearyl Alcohol is 112-92-5.
Related ingredients
Source: EU CosIng database (European Commission). This page is derived from public-sector information published by the European Commission. · Last updated: 15/10/2010