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
Plant Oil
Clean
Octadecanoic acid, C16-18-alkyl esters
Effective at 1.65%
Formula
C70H140O4
Mol. Weight
1045.90
CAS #
93820-97-4
Form
Liquid
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
Traditional Use
A synthetic ester combining cetyl and stearyl alcohols with stearic acid (a naturally-occurring fatty acid). Created as an emollient and thickening agent building on the historical use of stearic acid in soap and cosmetic production.
EWG
1
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
ewg-1
medical-approval
pregnancy-nursing-safe
all-shades-safe
Concentration Guide
0.3%
3.0%
0%4%
Reported use
CIR reported use: 0.3-3
Regulatory Agencies
Skin Types
●all-skin-types, gentle
Best For
Dryness
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
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.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR