Stearyl alcohol

Stearyl alcohol (CAS 112-92-5), also known as Stearol, is a long-chain fatty alcohol derived primarily from natural fats and oils.

Where is Stearyl alcohol used?

• Personal care: co-emulsifier and thickener in creams, lotions and hair conditioners
• In hair conditioners it acts as a structuring and conditioning agent; the cationic surfactant/fatty alcohol ratio and process conditions determine the final product structure.
• In cream and lotion production it is melted in the oil phase and incorporated into the aqueous phase with a suitable emulsifier system.
• Food: release agent and surface-finishing agent in confectionery and bakery products
• Pharmaceutical semi-solid formulations: excipient
• Metalworking and industrial lubricants: incorporated into grease formulations and solid lubricant blends to reduce friction at metal interfaces
• Wax-based coatings and polishes: surface modifier and dispersing aid
• Raw material in the production of surfactants, fatty alcohol derivatives and various specialty chemicals.
• It contributes body and texture to finished formulations.

Good to know: USP and Ph. Eur. grades are available for applications requiring pharmacopeial compliance.

Formulation notes

• Reacts with strong acids and powerful oxidants.
• Not the same as cetearyl alcohol, which is mainly a mixture of C16 cetyl alcohol and C18 stearyl alcohol.

Typical specification

• Commercial grades may differ in C18 purity and distribution of other fatty alcohols, so melting/solidification range and other physical values may vary according to manufacturer specification.
• Technical grade at 80% purity is available on the market.
• Hard, white, waxy pieces, flakes or granules.

Regulatory status

• INCI name: Stearyl Alcohol.
• Classified as WGK Germany nwg (not water endangering).
• The USP-NF Stearyl Alcohol monograph defines stearyl alcohol content within a specific assay range and states that the remainder may consist mainly of related alcohols.

Storage, packaging and handling

• Store under dry conditions, with packaging closed and protected from contamination.

Technical content is compiled and updated by the SoleChem product team from public technical sources; the certificate of analysis (COA) governs product-specific specifications.