Stearyl Alcohol

Harm score: 2 (Derivatives of natural substances)

Stearyl Alcohol, also known by its other name Ethyl acetate, is an organic compound with the formula CH3-CH2-(CH2)16-OH. It is a long chain fatty alcohol that occurs in small amounts in nature, but for industrial use is most commonly obtained from vegetable oils or fat-based raw materials. It is a white crystalline or waxy solid that is odourless at room temperature and insoluble in water. It has a wide range of applications in industrial production.

Stearyl Alcohol is mainly used in the cosmetic industry for its emulsifying and moisturizing properties. It is a popular ingredient in many creams, lotions, and other skin care products because using such an alcohol can produce stable emulsions that are gentle on the skin and can be easily spread with it. Its other major application is in the detergent industry, where it is added to soaps, shampoos or washing gels for its ability to improve their consistency and foaming power. Stearyl Alcohol also has a significant place in the pharmaceutical industry due to its insolubility in water, for example, in the production of tablets or capsules, which dissolve better in the digestive system.