Explore the recorded roles of STEARYL ALCOHOL and what they can mean in a cosmetic formula.
Source-function explanation
The panels below interpret this ingredient’s recorded functions. They describe possible contributions, not proven clinical results. Any individually reviewed study is shown separately.
01 / COSMETIC CONTEXT
For skin
Skin Conditioning - EmollientHelps leave skin feeling softer and smoother.
RefattingHelps replenish surface lipids removed during cleansing.
Surfactant - CleansingHelps lift or remove soil and excess oil during washing. Mildness depends on the whole cleansing system.
02 / COSMETIC CONTEXT
For hair
Surfactant - CleansingCan contribute to removing soil, oil and product residue during washing. This is a cleansing role, not a hair-growth effect.
03 / FORMULATION ROLE
In cosmetics
Skin Conditioning - EmollientHelps improve the soft, smooth feel of skin.
RefattingHelps replenish surface lipids or offset their removal during cleansing.
Surfactant - CleansingHelps lift and disperse oil and soil so they can be rinsed away. Cleansing strength depends on the blend and use conditions.
Explore 6 more roles
Surfactant - EmulsifyingHelps bring and keep phases such as oil and water together in a dispersed formula.
Emulsion StabilisingHelps an emulsion maintain its dispersed structure over time.
Surfactant - Foam BoostingHelps increase or maintain foam produced by the cleansing system.
OpacifyingHelps make a formula less transparent or gives it a more opaque appearance.
Viscosity ControllingHelps adjust how thick or fluid a formula is, influencing its flow and application.
FragranceContributes scent to a product. Fragrance character depends on the ingredient blend.
Possible formulation contexts
Examples associated with the recorded function classes; these are not verified product listings or instructions to apply the raw ingredient.
Creams and lotions
Refatting cleansers
Rinse-off cleansers
Shampoos
Emulsions
Foaming systems
Colour and appearance effects
Texture and flow adjustment
Fragrance systems
Read the benefit with the formula.
Ingredient form, concentration, pH, delivery system and contact time can change the result. A skin finding does not establish a hair benefit; a conditioning or fibre result does not establish hair growth.
CAS and EC identifiers are source references. A botanical extract, polymer or mixture may have more than one identifier; a name does not establish purity, supplier grade or sourcing.
Chemical names in the source
Octadecan-1-ol
Matched chemical reference
PubChem compound ID
8221
Molecular formula
C18H38O
Molecular weight
270.5 g/mol
Systematic name
octadecan-1-ol
InChIKey
GLDOVTGHNKAZLK-UHFFFAOYSA-N
Matched through one source CAS and a confirmed ingredient name or source alias. These facts describe the matched PubChem record; they do not describe particle form, supplier grade or finished-product performance.
03 / INSIDE THE FORMULA
What does it do?
Skin Conditioning - Emollient
Helps improve the soft, smooth feel of skin.
Surfactant - Emulsifying
Helps bring and keep phases such as oil and water together in a dispersed formula.
Emulsion Stabilising
Helps an emulsion maintain its dispersed structure over time.
Surfactant - Foam Boosting
Helps increase or maintain foam produced by the cleansing system.
Fragrance
Contributes scent to a product. Fragrance character depends on the ingredient blend.
Opacifying
Helps make a formula less transparent or gives it a more opaque appearance.
Refatting
Helps replenish surface lipids or offset their removal during cleansing.
Surfactant - Cleansing
Helps lift and disperse oil and soil so they can be rinsed away. Cleansing strength depends on the blend and use conditions.
Viscosity Controlling
Helps adjust how thick or fluid a formula is, influencing its flow and application.
Functions describe possible roles in a formulation. They do not establish the performance of every product containing this ingredient.
04 / READ THE LABEL
A little more understanding.
Stearyl alcohol is distinct from stearic acid and from ethanol. Complete names help avoid misleading comparisons.
Do not infer a finished product’s drying effect simply because a label includes the word alcohol.
05 / EVIDENCE & REGULATORY CONTEXT
Keep the context in view.
India
Applicable Cosmetics Rules and standards need to be checked for the ingredient, product type and use. Ingredient-specific restrictions have not yet been mapped here.
European Union
CosIng records do not authorise use. Check the current Cosmetics Regulation and annexes for restrictions and conditions.
United States
FDA guidance has a US scope. Product classification, colour additives and other ingredient conditions require separate checks.
Individual experience
No personalised suitability or allergy assessment is provided. A source function is separate from human efficacy and finished-product testing.
Independent clinical evidence synthesis
Not yet completed
Ingredient safety score
Not assigned
Concentration / exposure limits
Not inferred from the ingredient name
06 / FOLLOW THE REFERENCE
Sources & record history
About this image
2D structure · PubChem CID 8221 · 2D structure depiction using the PubChem isomeric SMILES record. This does not show particle size, crystal form, supplier grade or raw-material appearance.
Structure rendered for Beaut.in from PubChem data.
Beaut.in explains ingredient information in original language. Source inclusion does not constitute endorsement. Source descriptions and annex-table fields are reproduced with credit to the European Union; formatting is normalised. The current record is a dated snapshot, not a live regulatory monitor. Reuse terms: European Commission · CC BY 4.0 ↗.