1-Octadecanol (STEARYL ALCOHOL)
Commonly Found In
Overview
STEARYL ALCOHOL is a saturated fatty alcohol with an 18-carbon chain (C18H37OH) derived from stearic acid. Despite the word 'alcohol' in its name, it does not behave like drying alcohols such as ethanol. It appears as white waxy flakes or pellets and functions as an emollient, emulsion stabilizer, thickener, and opacifier in cosmetic formulations. Stearyl alcohol produces richer, more substantive textures compared to shorter-chain alcohols like cetyl alcohol, making it ideal for body butters, intensive creams, and thick conditioners.
Also known as: 1-Octadecanol, Octadecyl Alcohol, C18 Alcohol, Cachalot S-56
Key Benefits
Studies suggest stearyl alcohol may support skin hydration and barrier function as an emollient, creating a richer, more substantive skin feel compared to shorter-chain fatty alcohols. Clinical evidence from the CIR indicates it is non-irritating and well tolerated at cosmetic use concentrations.
Supporting Research
- β’ CIR Expert Panel β safety assessment confirming emollient and non-irritating properties of stearyl alcohol
Skin Compatibility Ratings
Comedogenic Rating
Rated 2 on rabbit ear assay; considered low comedogenic risk at typical concentrations; heavier feel than cetyl alcohol may be less suitable for acne-prone skin
Source: Kligman & Mills comedogenicity scale
Irritancy Rating
Non-irritating fatty alcohol. Not drying. No significant sensitization potential at cosmetic concentrations.
Source: CIR Expert Panel Final Report
Typical Use Concentration
Range
2β25%
Optimal
3β12%
Used at 3β12% in rich face creams, 8β20% in body butters, 2β6% in thick hair conditioners, 5β15% in lip balms.
Works Well With / Avoid
Works Well With
Creates richer, more waxy textures than cetyl alcohol; preferred for winter formulations, night creams, and dry skin products. Melting point 58β59Β°C provides firm structure. Compatible with all emulsification systems.
Commonly Found In
Global Regulation Summary
Overview of current status across major international markets.
Detailed Regional Status
| Region | Status | Max Conc. | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πͺπΊ EU | Allowed | - | - | Official β |
| πΊπΈ USA | Allowed | - | - | Official β |
| π―π΅ Japan | Allowed | - | - | Official β |
| π°π· Korea | Allowed | - | - | Official β |
| π¬π§ UK | Allowed | - | - | Official β |
π Why Regulations Differ
Stearyl alcohol is permitted in all major cosmetic markets without concentration restrictions. CIR has confirmed its safety for cosmetic use repeatedly. No significant regulatory divergence between markets.
Regulation Analysis
Category Comparison
91% of EMULSION STABILISING ingredients (32 of 35) are banned in the EU, but this one is approved.
πΏ Natural Sources
Stearyl alcohol is derived from stearic acid (C18 fatty acid), which is found in various plant and animal fats. Major sources include palm oil (Elaeis guineensis, 4-5% stearic acid), shea butter (Vitellaria paradoxa, 35-45% stearic acid), cocoa butter (Theobroma cacao, 33-35% stearic acid), and coconut oil (Cocos nucifera, 2-3% stearic acid). Animal sources like tallow and lard contain high levels of stearic acid (20-30%), but plant sources dominate modern cosmetic production. Shea butter is particularly valued as a source because of its high stearic acid content and sustainable production practices in West Africa.
π How It's Made
Stearyl alcohol is produced through a two-step industrial process: (1) Extraction: Stearic acid (C18) is obtained from plant oils or fats through hydrolysis or saponification. Triglycerides are broken down into free fatty acids using high-pressure steam (250Β°C, 50 bar) or alkaline treatment. The resulting fatty acid mixture is fractionated through distillation or crystallization to isolate stearic acid, which has a higher melting point (69Β°C) than shorter-chain fatty acids, facilitating separation. (2) Hydrogenation: Stearic acid is converted to stearyl alcohol through catalytic hydrogenation. The carboxylic acid group (-COOH) is reduced to a primary alcohol group (-CH2OH) using hydrogen gas at elevated temperature (250-300Β°C) and pressure (200-300 bar) with a metal catalyst such as copper chromite (Cu2Cr2O5) or nickel. The reaction is: C17H35COOH + 2H2 β C18H37OH + H2O. The process requires precise control to prevent over-reduction or side reactions. Modern manufacturers increasingly use renewable catalysts and green chemistry approaches to minimize environmental impact. The final product is purified to >95% purity through distillation and recrystallization.
π Uses in Cosmetics
Stearyl alcohol is used in rich face creams (3-12%), body butters (8-20%), thick hair conditioners (2-6%), lip balms (5-15%), solid stick products (10-25%), and makeup products like foundations (3-8%). Its functions include: (1) Emollient: provides a rich, smooth texture with excellent skin feel. (2) Thickener/viscosity builder: creates substantial, luxurious consistency in creams and lotions. (3) Emulsion stabilizer: helps maintain stable oil-in-water and water-in-oil emulsions. (4) Opacifier: imparts a white, creamy appearance. (5) Structure provider: gives firmness to solid products like lipsticks and deodorant sticks. Stearyl alcohol has a melting point of 58-59Β°C (higher than cetyl alcohol at 49-50Β°C) and a molecular weight of 270.49 g/mol. The longer C18 chain creates more substantive, waxy textures compared to C16 (cetyl) alcohol. This makes it ideal for winter formulations, night creams, and products targeting dry skin. When ethoxylated, it forms steareth compounds with HLB values around 15-16. Stearyl alcohol works best at pH 4-8 and is often combined with emulsifiers like polysorbate 60 or ceteareth-20. Typical usage: 3-8% in light creams, 8-15% in rich creams and butters.
π¬ Other Applications
Stearyl alcohol is extensively used in pharmaceutical topical formulations including ointments, creams, and suppositories as a consistency regulator and emollient. It serves as an inactive ingredient in tablet coating and controlled-release drug delivery systems, providing hydrophobic barrier properties. In industrial applications, stearyl alcohol functions as a lubricant and release agent in plastics processing, particularly for PVC and polyolefin production. It is used as a foam control agent in paper manufacturing and textile dyeing processes. The ingredient serves as an intermediate in the production of surfactants (steareth compounds), emulsifiers, and specialty esters used in metalworking fluids. In the food industry, food-grade stearyl alcohol is used as an anti-caking agent, lubricant, and component in food packaging materials (as a slip agent). It also appears in industrial lubricants, rubber processing, and as a component of specialty waxes for polishes and coatings.
π‘ Fun Facts
- β’ Stearyl alcohol's longer carbon chain (C18) compared to cetyl alcohol (C16) means it has a higher melting point (58-59Β°C vs. 49-50Β°C) and creates richer, more substantive textures. This two-carbon difference significantly impacts product feel.
- β’ The name 'stearyl' comes from the Greek word 'stear' meaning tallow or fat, reflecting its historical extraction from animal fats. Modern cosmetic stearyl alcohol is predominantly plant-derived from sustainable sources.
- β’ Despite being called an 'alcohol,' stearyl alcohol is completely different from drying alcohols like ethanol. The term 'alcohol' refers only to its chemical structure (hydroxyl -OH group), not its cosmetic properties. This causes frequent confusion in 'alcohol-free' product marketing.
Related Skin Concerns
Data Sources
- β’ CIR Expert Panel Final Report on stearyl alcohol
- β’ EU CosIng database
- β’ FDA cosmetic ingredient database
- β’ Japan MHLW cosmetic ingredient database
Last data verification: 2026-04-12
Related Ingredients
Cetostearyl Alcohol
CETEARYL ALCOHOL
1-Hexadecanol
CETYL ALCOHOL
COCAMIDE DEA
LANOLINAMIDE DEA
ALUMINUM STEARATE
BENTONITE
Learn More
Frequently Asked Questions
What is STEARYL ALCOHOL used for in cosmetics?
STEARYL ALCOHOL is primarily used for emulsion stabilising in cosmetic products. It also serves as emollient, opacifying. The ingredient is commonly found in various cosmetic and personal care products.
Which countries regulate STEARYL ALCOHOL?
STEARYL ALCOHOL is approved for cosmetic use in all major markets: EU, JP, US, UK, KR, with no significant restrictions.
Where can I find official regulation information about STEARYL ALCOHOL?
Official information about STEARYL ALCOHOL regulations can be found on government websites: EU CosIng database, US FDA Cosmetics page, Japan MHLW cosmetics standards, UK Government cosmetics guidance, and Korea MFDS. Always verify regulatory status with these official sources before making formulation decisions.
Disclaimer
The information on this website is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. While we strive for accuracy based on official government databases, cosmetic regulations change frequently. Always consult with a qualified professional or refer to the latest official regulatory documents for compliance. We are not responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided here.