Stearyl alcohol - Lorol C18-98

Stearyl Alcohol 

Lorol C18-98

Cosmetic grade

Stearyl alcohol is a long-chain, saturated fatty alcohol. It’s the C18 “waxy” alcohol you’ll see in lots of creams and hair conditioners for slip and structure.

• INCI / common name: Stearyl Alcohol

• IUPAC: octadecan-1-ol

• CAS: 112-92-5

Key Characteristics

Molecular formula - C₁₈H₃₈O

Molecular weight - 270.49 g/mol

Appearance - White to light yellowish hydrophilic wax supplied in pellets

Odour - Neutral to faint

Melting point - ~58–60 °C

Density - ~0.81–0.83 g/mL @ 20 °C

Solubility - Insoluble in water; soluble in alcohols, ethers, hydrocarbons, and oils

Uses of Cetyl Stearyl Alcohol

Cosmetics & personal care

• Emollient / conditioner: Adds slip and softness to skin and hair.

• Viscosity builder / thickener: Gives creams and lotions body; helps create rich textures.

• Co-emulsifier / stabilizer: Supports oil-in-water emulsions (often paired with cetearyl alcohol, fatty acids, and nonionic emulsifiers).

• Opacifier / sensory modifier: Reduces tack; improves payoff in sticks/balms.

• Common applications:

  • Hair conditioners & masks: 2–7% with quaternary conditioners (e.g., BTMS/behentrimonium).

  • Creams/lotions & body butters: 1–4% as co-emulsifier/thickener.

  • Deodorant/antiperspirant sticks & balms: 3–10% as structurant with waxes/oils.

  • Cleansing bars/syndet bars: Adds hardness and glide.

Other uses

• Lubricant/processing aid in plastics and rubber compounding.

• Polishes, candles, and coatings as a waxy hardener/structurant in some systems.

Formulating notes & tips

• Melts around 60 °C — heat oil phase above this to fully dissolve, then emulsify.

• For lighter feel and better spread, blend with cetyl alcohol (C16) or use cetearyl alcohol (C16/C18 mix).

• Works synergistically with quats (e.g., behentrimonium methosulfate) to boost hair conditioning and combability.

• If you see graininess in a balm/stick, adjust cooling profile (cool faster with shear) to control crystal size.