Stearyl Alcohol S95

Stearyl Alcohol S-95 is a high-purity, saturated fatty alcohol composed predominantly of C18 stearyl alcohol. It is typically derived from renewable vegetable sources such as palm or coconut oil and produced through the hydrogenation of naturally occurring fatty acids, followed by controlled fractionation and purification to achieve a consistent stearyl content and defined melting profile. This manufacturing process does not involve ethoxylation, sulfation, or petrochemical modification, supporting its use in clean, natural-leaning cosmetic formulations.

In cosmetic and personal care formulations, Stearyl Alcohol S-95 functions as a structuring agent, viscosity builder, co-emulsifier, and emollient. It plays a key role in the formation of lamellar gel networks within emulsions, improving stability, enhancing body, and delivering a smooth, creamy sensory profile. In creams and lotions, it contributes to thickness, reduces syneresis, and improves spreadability while maintaining a non-greasy, breathable skin feel.

From a Clean Standards and safety profile perspective, Stearyl Alcohol S-95 has a long history of safe cosmetic use and is widely accepted across global regulatory frameworks. It is non-ethoxylated, biodegradable, non-comedogenic, and not classified as a skin irritant or sensitizer when used at typical cosmetic concentrations. Safety evaluations support its use in both rinse-off and leave-on applications, including formulations intended for sensitive skin. When manufactured to cosmetic-grade specifications and responsibly sourced, Stearyl Alcohol S-95 aligns with clean beauty standards, ingredient transparency initiatives, and EWG-aligned safety expectations.

Ingredient Identification

• INCI Name: Stearyl Alcohol

• CAS Number: 112-92-5

Physical & Technical Properties

• Appearance: White to off-white solid flakes or pellets

• Melting Point: Approximately 58–62 °C

• Solubility: Insoluble in water; soluble in oils and oil phases

• Functional Role: Lipophilic structuring material, viscosity builder, co-emulsifier

Typical Usage Levels (Skincare & Haircare)

• Lotions: 0.5–2.0% (light viscosity and stability enhancement)

• Creams: 1.0–4.0% (body, structure, lamellar support)

• Body Butters & Balms: 2.0–5.0% (firmness and texture control)

• Conditioners & Masks: 1.0–3.0% (thickening and sensory improvement)

Actual usage levels may vary depending on emulsifier system, oil-phase composition, and desired final viscosity.

Formulation Compatibility & Common Combinations

Stearyl Alcohol S-95 is commonly formulated with:

• Cetyl Alcohol or Cetearyl Alcohol to balance structure and slip

• Glyceryl Stearate or Glyceryl Stearate SE for emulsion reinforcement

• Emulsifying wax systems to improve creaminess and stability

• Vegetable oils, esters, and butters to optimize oil-phase structure

In emulsions, Stearyl Alcohol S-95 is added to the oil phase and heated above its melting point to ensure uniform incorporation and stable emulsion formation.

Regulatory & Safety Notes

• Regulatory Status: Approved for cosmetic use globally, including the United States and European Union, with no specific concentration limits beyond Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)

• California Proposition 65: Not listed as a carcinogen or reproductive toxicant

• EWG Context: Generally categorized as low hazard based on available safety data for topical cosmetic use

• Irritation & Sensitization: Not classified as irritating or sensitizing at standard cosmetic usage levels

• Clean Beauty Compatibility: Non-ethoxylated, biodegradable, and compatible with clean, natural-leaning, and minimalist formulation standards when responsibly sourced