What is it?
Stearyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol derived from natural fats and oils, commonly used in skincare products as an emollient, thickener, and emulsifier. Despite its name, it is not a drying alcohol like ethanol but rather a moisturizing ingredient that can better the texture and feel of skincare products.
Where does it come from?
Stearyl alcohol is typically derived from natural sources such as coconut oil or shea butter. It is obtained through the hydrogenation of stearic acid, a fatty acid found in these oils. The resulting solid, waxy substance is then purified for use in various skincare formulations.