Stearyl alcohol
Stearyl alcohol is an 18-carbon straight-chain fatty alcohol sold as white waxy flakes, pastilles or granules. It is made by hydrogenating fatty acids or methyl esters from palm, palm kernel, coconut or tallow and distilling the C18 cut, or synthetically from ethylene. Cosmetic brands buy it as a thickener, stiffening agent and co-emulsifier, especially for firmer creams, sticks and hair conditioners.
Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.
Stearyl alcohol meeting the NF or EP monograph for pharmaceutical and OTC products.
Grades with defined C18 content and some C16, used in personal care.
Stearyl alcohol from certified palm supply chains.
Grades from vegetable oils or tallow; source matters for vegan, halal and kosher claims, so confirm it with the supplier.
Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.
Store stearyl alcohol sealed in a cool, dry place away from heat sources. It is stable and slow to oxidize. Shelf life follows the supplier's specification, with retest of acid value and appearance for aged material.
Record C18 purity, melting range and feedstock source (vegetable, animal or synthetic) for each lot, since the source affects label and certification claims. Rotate FIFO.
Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.
21 CFR 172.864 permits synthetic stearyl and cetyl alcohols, made from ethylene by organo-aluminum chemistry, in food and in the synthesis of food components.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)FDA's Substances Added to Food inventory lists stearyl alcohol (CAS 112-92-5) with the technical effects "surface-finishing agent" and "texturizer".
Source: hfpappexternal.fda.gov (opens in a new tab)Health Canada's Natural Health Products Ingredients Database lists stearyl alcohol for topical products up to 25%, unless additional evidence for safety is submitted, citing CIR.
Source: webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca (opens in a new tab)This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.
Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.
Distributor · Blue Bell, PA
Pennsylvania distributor of oleochemicals and personal care ingredients, including castor products, fatty alcohols, esters, glycerin and natural oils and butters.
Suppliers are in alphabetical order and none pays to appear. Each claim is checked against the supplier’s own website on the date shown. Ask for the specification sheet and a recent COA before you order, and confirm details with the supplier.
Common forms include nF / EP grade, cosmetic grade, rSPO palm-based and vegetable vs. animal source. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.
Expect identity and purity by GC, acid, saponification and iodine values, hydroxyl value, melting range and heavy metals, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.
Store stearyl alcohol sealed in a cool, dry place away from heat sources. It is stable and slow to oxidize. Shelf life follows the supplier's specification, with retest of acid value and appearance for aged material.
21 CFR 172.864 permits synthetic stearyl and cetyl alcohols, made from ethylene by organo-aluminum chemistry, in food and in the synthesis of food components. FDA's Substances Added to Food inventory lists stearyl alcohol (CAS 112-92-5) with the technical effects "surface-finishing agent" and "texturizer". Health Canada's Natural Health Products Ingredients Database lists stearyl alcohol for topical products up to 25%, unless additional evidence for safety is submitted, citing CIR.
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