• Long-chain fatty alcohol with emollient and thickening properties
• Improves texture and spreadability of emulsions
• Provides mild conditioning effect to hair and skin
• Helps stabilize oil-water emulsions and boost viscosity
• Derived from natural plant sources (palm or coconut)

Stearyl Alcohol – Fatty Alcohol for Thickening & Conditioning

Stearyl Alcohol is a white, waxy fatty alcohol commonly used in cosmetic emulsions as a thickener, co-emulsifier, and texture enhancer. Unlike drying alcohols, it’s non-irritating and leaves a soft, emollient feel on skin and hair. It helps improve the viscosity and stability of lotions, conditioners, and body butters, and is often combined with other fatty alcohols like cetyl alcohol for better performance. Stearyl Alcohol is derived from plant-based sources, making it suitable for vegan and natural formulations.

INCI Name: Stearyl Alcohol

CAS Number: 112-92-5

Solubility: Insoluble in water; soluble in oils

Add Phase: Oil phase (heat to melt)

pH Stability: Stable across wide pH range

Processing Temperature: 70°C – 85°C

Appearance: White, waxy flakes or beads

Odor: Neutral to faint fatty odor

Molecular Formula: C₁₈H₃₈O

Molecular Weight: 270.49 g/mol

Flash Point: >180°C

Density: ~0.8 g/cm³

Chemical Type: Fatty alcohol (emollient)

Functional Groups: Hydroxyl group, alkyl chain

Primary Cosmetic Uses: Thickener, stabilizer, emollient, co-emulsifier

• Usage Rate: 1% – 10%
• Phase: Add to oil phase and melt before emulsification
• Ideal For: Lotions, Creams, Conditioners, Body Butters, Cleansing Balms

🔥 Stearyl Alcohol works best when combined with Cetyl Alcohol to create a balanced, creamy feel in emulsions. It adds richness and enhances the structure of whipped or butter-based products, especially when used at 3–5%.

✔️ Safe for all skin types

✔️ Non-irritating and non-comedogenic

✔️ Suitable for sensitive skin and scalp formulas

1. Thickening Cream Base

Use 2–4% with cetyl alcohol and emulsifying wax for stable lotion or cream textures.

2. Hair Conditioner Base

Combine with BTMS-50 and panthenol for a rich, smooth hair conditioner.

3. Whipped Body Butter

Use 3% with shea butter and almond oil for increased firmness and emulsification.

4. Cleansing Balm

Add 5% with PEG-based emulsifiers to create a soft, rinse-off makeup remover balm.

5. Beard or Styling Balm

Pair with beeswax and carrier oils for a smooth, non-gritty finish.

Serums
⭐☆☆☆☆ – Poor
🟥⬜⬜⬜⬜ – Too heavy for lightweight serum textures.



Creams & Lotions
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Excellent
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 – Adds smoothness, thickness, and stability.



Toners
☆☆☆☆☆ – Not Suitable
🟥⬜⬜⬜⬜ – Not used in watery tonics.



Face Masks
⭐⭐⭐☆☆ – Moderate
🟧🟧🟧⬜⬜ – Adds structure to creamy masks.



Cleansers
⭐⭐⭐☆☆ – Moderate
🟧🟧🟧⬜⬜ – Common in balm and cream cleansers.



Hair Masks
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Good
🟩🟩🟩🟩⬜ – Boosts richness and detangling.



Deodorants
⭐⭐⭐☆☆ – Moderate
🟧🟧🟧⬜⬜ – Helps in solid stick or cream bases.



Eye Creams
⭐⭐☆☆☆ – Fair
🟧🟧⬜⬜⬜ – Use in small amounts for structure.



Shampoos
⭐⭐☆☆☆ – Fair
🟧🟧⬜⬜⬜ – Useful in conditioning shampoos.



Soaps
⭐⭐☆☆☆ – Fair
🟧🟧⬜⬜⬜ – Optional for moisturizing syndet bars.



Conditioners
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Good
🟩🟩🟩🟩⬜ – Works well with BTMS and emulsifiers.



Lip Balms
⭐⭐☆☆☆ – Fair
🟧🟧⬜⬜⬜ – Enhances smooth glide in balm bases.



Body Butters
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Good
🟩🟩🟩🟩⬜ – Adds firmness and emulsifying support.



Ointments
⭐⭐⭐☆☆ – Moderate
🟧🟧🟧⬜⬜ – Thickens and stabilizes greasy formulations.

Q1: Is Stearyl Alcohol drying like ethanol?

A1: No — it's a fatty alcohol, which is moisturizing and non-irritating to the skin.

Q2: Can it be used alone as an emulsifier?

A2: It’s better used as a co-emulsifier, not on its own.

Q3: Is it derived from animals or plants?

A3: Bio Shop™ provides plant-based (vegan) Stearyl Alcohol from palm or coconut.

Q4: Can I use it in leave-in hair products?

A4: Yes, it adds mild conditioning and texture benefits in creams and detanglers.

Q5: What’s the difference between Stearyl and Cetyl Alcohol?

A5: Stearyl has a longer carbon chain, making it thicker and more stable. Often used together for balance.