Cetyl Stearate

AKA: Hexadecyl octadecanoate, 1190-63-2, Palmityl stearate, Octadecanoic acid, Hexadecyl ester, Hexadecyl stearate, N-Hexadecyl stearate, Stearic acid hexadecyl ester, 1-Hexadecyloctadecanoate, STEARIC ACID PALMITYL ESTER
Plant-Derived
Emollient
Skin Conditioner
Plant Oil
Clean
The CIR Expert Panel concluded that the alkyl esters, listed subsequently, are safe in the present practices of use and concentration described in this safety assessment when formulated to be non-irritating.
Formula
C34H68O2
Mol. Weight
508.90
CAS #
1190-63-2
Form
Liquid
Functions
Emollient
Fills in the tiny cracks between skin cells to make everything feel smooth and soft. The "silky finish" ingredient.
Locks In Moisture
Traditional Use
A wax ester created by combining cetyl alcohol and stearic acid, developed as a synthetic replacement for animal-derived tallow in cosmetics. Used since the early 20th century for texture and emolliency.
EWG
1
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
ewg-1
medical-approval
pregnancy-nursing-safe
all-shades-safe
Regulatory Status
USApermitted
EUrestricted
JAPANrestricted
CANADArestricted
Skin Types
all-skin-types, gentle
Best For
Dryness
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper
⚖️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