Stearyl Stearate

AKA: 2778-96-3, Octadecyl stearate, Octadecanoic acid, Octadecyl ester, Stearic acid, Stearyl ester, Octadecanyl octadecanoate, Stearic acid octadecyl ester, Octadecanoic acid octadecyl ester
Plant-Derived
Emollient
Skin Conditioner
Clean
OriginDerived from stearic acid and stearyl alcohol, both long-chain fatty acids typically sourced from vegetable or animal fats. Synthesized through esterification, where stearyl alcohol reacts with stearic acid under heat and catalytic conditions.
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
C36H72O2
Mol. Weight
537.00
CAS #
2778-96-3
Form
Liquid
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
Dryness
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
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.
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
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewednone on file
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed4 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
Not a Sensitizer (CIR report on the ingredient group)
CIR report statement covering this group of ingredients / not tested individually (CIR 564)
Concentration Guide
Leave-on0.02–3%
Rinse-off2%
0%50%100%
CIR reported use · 2012 survey
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR
murphy