Stearyl Alcohol

At a glance

CAS number

112-92-5

INCI name

Stearyl Alcohol

Function

emollient, emulsifier, thickener, opacifier, stabilizer

Typical use level

1%–20%

Solubility

oil

Stable pH

4–9

CAS number and synonyms are sourced from PubChem. Function, usage levels, pH and compatibility are AI-assisted formulation guidance — verify against your supplier's technical data sheet and applicable regulations before use.

Also known as

Stearyl alcohol Octadecan-1-ol 1-Hydroxyoctadecane Octadecyl alcohol n-Octadecanol Stearol Stearic alcohol n-Octadecyl alcohol Atalco S n-1-Octadecanol Steraffine Alfol 18

Compatibility

Works well with:
Cetyl Alcohol Cetearyl Alcohol Glyceryl Stearate Behentrimonium Chloride Stearic Acid Petrolatum Mineral Oil Dimethicone Shea Butter Polysorbate 60

Use caution with:
Strong Oxidizing Agents Strong Acids Strong Bases

Stearyl Alcohol is broadly compatible with most cosmetic ingredients and is frequently used alongside other fatty alcohols and emulsifiers to build creamy, stable emulsion matrices. It works synergistically with cationic emulsifiers such as Behentrimonium Chloride in conditioning hair products to form lamellar gel networks. Extreme pH conditions or strong oxidizers may degrade or discolor the ingredient over time.

Formulation notes

Generally recognized as safe (GRAS-adjacent) with a long history of use; non-irritating for most skin types though rare contact allergy has been reported. Commonly used in creams, lotions, and hair conditioners at 2–10%; higher levels (up to 20%) used in anhydrous or very thick formulations. Melt point approximately 56–60°C; must be processed in the heated oil phase.

Frequently asked questions

Related ingredients

• Arachidyl AlcoholEmollient
• Behenyl AlcoholEmollient
• Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate CrosspolymerThickener
• Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate VP CopolymerThickener
• Glyceryl Stearate CitrateEmulsifier
• Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate CopolymerThickener