Stearyl Linoleate

AKA: 17673-53-9, Octadecyl 9Z, 12Z-octadecadienoate, Octadecanyl 9Z, WE(18:0/18:2(9Z, 12Z)), LINOLEIC ACID, OCTADECYL ESTER
Plant-Derived
Emollient
Skin Conditioner
Plant Oil
Not Clean
Octadecyl (9Z,12Z)-octadeca-9,12-dienoate
Formula
C36H68O2
Mol. Weight
532.90
CAS #
17673-53-9
Form
Liquid
Functions
Opacifying
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
Created as an ester combining stearyl alcohol with linoleic acid (an omega-6 essential fatty acid). Developed to provide skin conditioning and barrier support benefits in contemporary skincare.
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Regulatory Status
USApermitted
EUrestricted
JAPANrestricted
CANADArestricted
Skin Types
all-skin-types
Best For
Dryness
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