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
Clean
OriginDerived from fatty acids found in coconut, palm, or animal-derived sources through hydrogenation. Synthesized by esterifying cetyl alcohol with stearic acid through chemical condensation.
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
Skin Types
●all-skin-types, gentle
Best For
Dryness
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
Functions
Emollient
Fills in the tiny cracks between skin cells to make everything feel smooth and soft. The "silky finish" ingredient.
Locks In Moisture
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.
EWG
1
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Mixed Sensitization Results
2 studies / 1 sensitizing / 1 mixed (CIR 189 and 623)
Skin Irritant in Testing
1 study / 1 irritating / reactions mild (CIR 189)
Concentration Guide
Leave-on4%
Rinse-off1%
0%50%100%
CIR reported use · 2012 survey
Regulatory Status
USA✔ permitted
EU⚠ restricted
JAPAN⚠ restricted
CANADA⚠ restricted
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR