Common Name(s): Cholesteryl butyrate,cholesteryl butyrate,cholesterol ester,sc barrier lipid active

CAS Number: N/a

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Integrates into sc lamellar lipid bilayers providing the cholesterol component of the barrier — restoring the equimolar ceramide/cholesterol/ffa ratio required for optimal sc lamellar organisation and tewl reduction.

Why It's Used: Cholesterol esters are uniquely sc-biomimetic emollients — cholesterol constitutes ~25% of sc lipids by mass, and the specific sterol ring geometry is required for the semi-crystalline lamellar structure; no non-cholesterol lipid can substitute for this structural role.

How It Works: Sc cholesterol exists primarily as free sterol and esters — applied cholesterol esters are hydrolysed by sc sterol esterases releasing free cholesterol for lamellar integration. free cholesterol: 'fluidises' the sc bilayer between ceramide gel phases, providing the critical phase transition temperature adjustment required for physiological temperature barrier function.

Typically Found In: Barrier repair,dry skin,sc lipid restoration

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Functional ingredient – emollient

Secondary Functions: Barrier sealing,softening

Application Areas:

Typical Concentration Range: 0.5%–10%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Conditional - feedstock declaration required

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

Source Notes: Plant-derived, synthetic or animal-derived. verify source. [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: 1/5 – low; formulation-dependent

Sensitivity Concerns: Non-irritating.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Excellent safety profile. ewg score: 1.

Works Well With: Humectants,ceramides,actives as carrier

Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Sc cholesterol depletion is the primary driver of barrier dysfunction in elderly skin and post-detergent treatment — cholesterol ester topical replenishment specifically addresses this depletion mechanism for the most physiologically rational barrier repair.

Last Verified: 2026-03-22

Primary Sources: Cosing database,cholesteryl butyrate cholesterol ester sc barrier lipid review