Stearyl Glycol

AKA: 1, 2-Octadecanediol, Octadecane-1, 2-diol, 2-Dihydroxyoctadecane, 20294-76-2, 12-Dihydroxyoctadecane, Octadecylene glycol
Plant-Derived
Emollient
Emulsifier
Skin Conditioner
Plant Oil
Not Clean
1,2-octadecanediol is a glycol that is octadecane bearing two hydroxy substituents located at positions 1 and 2. It is functionally related to an octadecane.
Formula
C18H38O2
Mol. Weight
286.50
CAS #
20294-76-2
Functions
Emulsion Stabilising
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Skin Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Emollient
Fills in the tiny cracks between skin cells to make everything feel smooth and soft. The "silky finish" ingredient.
Viscosity Controlling
Locks In Moisture
Traditional Use
Developed as a humectant combining stearyl alcohol with glycol chemistry. Created to provide hydration and emollient properties in contemporary skincare formulations.
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Potential Sensitizer
Regulatory Status
USApermitted
EUrestricted
JAPANrestricted
CANADArestricted
Skin Types
all-skin-types
Best For
Dehydration
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper
⚖️Regulatory1 listing
🛡️Safety-assessed1 review
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR