β-Sitosterol

Beta-Sitosterol (CAS 83-46-5) is a plant-derived sterol found naturally in vegetable oils, nuts, and seeds. Also known by trade names Cupreol, Quebrachol, and Nimbosterol, it belongs to the phytosterol family and shares structural similarity with cholesterol. No E-code designation applies to this ingredient.

In personal care formulations, beta-Sitosterol stabilises oil-in-water emulsions by reinforcing interfacial membranes, reducing droplet coalescence over time. In pharmaceutical applications, it functions as a heat stabiliser and skin-conditioning agent in topical preparations, modulating membrane fluidity at the formulation level. Food and nutrition manufacturers incorporate it for its documented cholesterol-competing mechanism in the digestive tract.

Beta-Sitosterol is supplied as a white powder meeting Ph.Eur. and FCC grade specifications where applicable, and is registered under REACH. It is classified under HS code 29061300 for EU customs purposes. Standard packaging formats include fibre drums and multi-layer bags suited to industrial procurement volumes.