Stearyl alcohol (inci)

Author:Prof. Dr. med. Peter Altmeyer

Last updated on: 29.10.2020

Synonym(s)

1-octadecanol; CAS number: 112-92-5; Octadecanol; Stearin alcohol; Stearyl alcohol; stearylic alcohol

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DefinitionThis section has been translated automatically.

Stearyl alcohol is a long chain monohydric saturated alcohol with the molecular formula: CH3-(CH2)16-CH2OH. It is soluble in ethanol and ether, insoluble in water.

Stearyl alcohol is included in the group of fatty alcohols. It belongs to the group of nonionic surfactants which stabilize water-in-oil emulsions.

In cosmetic formulations stearyl alcohol is often used in combination with cetylstearyl alcohol. The fatty alcohol acts as an emollient (makes the skin smooth and supple), emulsion stabilizer (supports the formation of emulsions and improves the resistance and durability of emulsions), opacifier (reduces the transparency and light transmission by clouding the product), viscosity regulator (increases or decreases the viscosity of cosmetic products), foaming agent (increases the foam formation and improves the volume, structure and durability of the foam) and as a refatting agent.

LiteratureThis section has been translated automatically.

Ammon H et al (2014). Hunnius Pharmaceutical Dictionary. Walter de Gruyter GmbH Berlin/Boston S 1693

Authors

Last updated on: 29.10.2020

Author: Prof. Dr. med. Peter Altmeyer