Cetearyl Stearate

AKA: 93820-97-4, Stearic acid, Cetyl/stearyl ester, CETOSTEARYL STEARATE, CETEARYL STEARATE [INCI], KESTER WAX-56 (K-56)
Plant-Derived
Skin Conditioner
Barrier Support
Clean
OriginDerived from coconut, palm kernel, or soybean oils as the primary starting materials. Produced through esterification of cetearyl alcohol with stearic acid.
Octadecanoic acid, C16-18-alkyl esters
Formula
C70H140O4
Mol. Weight
1045.90
CAS #
93820-97-4
Form
Liquid
Skin Types
●all-skin-types, gentle
Best For
Dryness
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
Functions
Skin Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Skin Protecting
Helps rebuild and strengthen your skin barrier — the invisible shield that keeps moisture in and irritants out. Essential after over-exfoliating or harsh weather.
Nourishes & Protects
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewednone on file
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed3 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
EWG
1
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
Concentration Guide
CIR's newest survey reports no concentration of use.
CIR · 2012 survey
Regulatory Status
USA✔ permitted
EU⚠ restricted
JAPAN⚠ restricted
CANADA⚠ restricted
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR