Common Name(s): Cetyl stearate,cetyl stearate,cosmetic functional ingredient,established active

CAS Number: N/a

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Provides emollient conditioning with spreading value determined by the ester molecular architecture.

Why It's Used: Cetyl stearate is selected for the c18 stearic–cetyl c16 ester pairing — combining structured waxy emolliency with moderate occlusive film with waxy structure and skin feel richness to deliver the specific logp, spreading coefficient, and sensory signature engineered for the target skin feel profile.

How It Works: Ester: branched short-chain → fast dry; medium → moderate spreading; long chain → occlusive.

Typically Found In: Cosmetic formulations

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Active ingredient – cosmetic active

Secondary Functions: Skin conditioning

Application Areas:

Typical Concentration Range: 0.1%–10%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Conditional - feedstock declaration required

Halal Status: Unverified - feedstock declaration required (plant, animal and petrochemical routes all exist)

Source Notes: Commercially produced for cosmetic use. verify vegan/halal status with supplier. [audit 2026-07-29 rev2: origin-dependent: the same inci exists in plant, animal and petrochemical versions and the name does not discriminate. determination requires shariah-panel sign-off.]

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic

Sensitivity Concerns: Well-tolerated by most skin types.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Good safety profile at recommended concentrations. ewg score: 1–2.

Works Well With: Standard skincare actives

Avoid Combining With: No known significant incompatibilities

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Safety documented in cosing at standard formulation concentrations.

Last Verified: 2026-03-22

Primary Sources: Cosing database,cetyl stearate technical review