fatty alcohol

Stearyl Alcohol

Evidenceemerging · Tier 3Irritation riskLowIn products789

C18 fatty alcohol; same Malassezia-feeding mechanism as cetyl alcohol. Used as an emollient and viscosity modifier. Problematic specifically for seborrheic dermatitis-prone skin.

The research

Stearyl Alcohol is a fatty alcohol backed by early but promising evidence (evidence tier 3 of 4). We track 2 studies for it, 2 reporting a positive effect.

Read the research — 2 studies

Journal of Clinical and Investigative Dermatology · 2015 · systematic review

Review documenting stearyl alcohol as a Malassezia-feeding ingredient in seborrheic dermatitis; categorizes it among fatty alcohols that should be avoided in Malassezia-safe skincare routines; provides a framework for identifying seb derm-safe alternatives

Journal of Investigative Dermatology Symposium Proceedings · 2005 · systematic review

DeAngelis et al. show Malassezia depends on host sebaceous lipids: it secretes lipases that hydrolyze sebum triglycerides into free fatty acids (notably oleic acid), which provoke seborrheic dermatitis in susceptible individuals; supports caution with lipid-rich, fatty-acid-yielding ingredients in seb-derm-prone skin.

Products with Stearyl Alcohol

In 789 products — most often moisturizers (381), serums (143), sunscreens (102), from $3.95 to $736.60. Set up a profile to rank these for your skin. Click any product to learn more.

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ELEMIS

ELEMIS

Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads (14 Pads)

Serum – for Dryness, Dark spots & hyperpigmentation

$25.00

★★★★★4.9(2,715)

Ideal for

  • ExcellentDryness
  • RelevantUneven texture
  • RelevantFine lines & wrinkles
  • RelevantDark spots & hyperpigmentation

Not recommended for

Atopic Dermatitis / EczemaRosaceaPsoriasisMelasmaPerioral DermatitisSeborrheic Dermatitis

Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads (14 Pads) is a exfoliant by ELEMIS. Key ingredients include Butylene Glycol, Polysorbate 20, Lactic Acid.

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Eucerin

Eucerin

Eucerin Sun Gel Cream Dry Touch SPF50+ 200ml

Moisturizer

$20.96200ml · $0.10/ml

★★★★★4.8(1,260)

Ideal for

  • StrongDryness

Not recommended for

Atopic Dermatitis / EczemaRosaceaPsoriasisMelasmaSeborrheic DermatitisPerioral Dermatitis

Eucerin Sun Gel Cream Dry Touch SPF50+ 200ml is a spf moisturiser by Eucerin. Key ingredients include Water, Homosalate, Alcohol Denat.

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Lancôme

Lancôme

Rénergie Multi-Action Lift And Firm Anti-Aging Night Cream Moisturizer - 2.6 oz

Moisturizer

$180.0076.9ml · $2.34/ml

★★★★★4.8(2,656)

Ideal for

  • ExcellentDryness
  • StrongFine lines & wrinkles

Not recommended for

Seborrheic DermatitisAtopic Dermatitis / EczemaRosaceaPsoriasisMelasmaPerioral Dermatitis

Rénergie Multi-Action Lift And Firm Anti-Aging Night Cream Moisturizer - 2.6 oz is a peptide serum by Lancôme. Key ingredients include Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetyl Alcohol.

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Kate Somerville

Kate Somerville

EradiKate 3% Sulfur Daily Foaming Cleanser - 4.0 oz

Cleanser

$46.00118.3ml · $0.39/ml

★★★★★4.8(3,592)

Ideal for

  • StrongDryness

Not recommended for

Seborrheic DermatitisAtopic Dermatitis / EczemaRosaceaPerioral DermatitisPsoriasisMelasma

EradiKate 3% Sulfur Daily Foaming Cleanser - 4.0 oz is a water cleanser by Kate Somerville. Key ingredients include Coco-Glucoside, Stearyl Alcohol, Glycerin.

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Fresh

Fresh

Lotus Youth Preserve Line & Texture Smoothing Moisturizer - 1.6 oz

Moisturizer

$59.0047.3ml · $1.25/ml

★★★★★4.8(5,796)

Ideal for

  • StrongDryness
  • RelevantFine lines & wrinkles

Not recommended for

Acne & breakoutsSeborrheic DermatitisRosacea

Lotus Youth Preserve Line & Texture Smoothing Moisturizer - 1.6 oz is a antioxidant serum by Fresh. Key ingredients include Water, Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol.

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ELEMIS

ELEMIS

Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash (200ml)

Cleanser – for Dryness

$57.00200ml · $0.28/ml

★★★★★4.8(1,593)

Ideal for

  • StrongDryness

Not recommended for

Atopic Dermatitis / EczemaRosaceaPerioral DermatitisPsoriasisMelasmaSeborrheic Dermatitis

Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash (200ml) is a water cleanser by ELEMIS. Key ingredients include Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Glycerin, Cocamidopropyl Betaine.

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ELEMIS

ELEMIS

Elemis Pro-Collagen Glow Boost Exfoliator (100ml)

Exfoliant – for Dryness

$80.00100ml · $0.80/ml

★★★★★4.8(1,138)

Ideal for

  • StrongDryness

Not recommended for

Acne & breakoutsSeborrheic DermatitisRosaceaAtopic Dermatitis / EczemaPerioral DermatitisPsoriasisMelasma

Elemis Pro-Collagen Glow Boost Exfoliator (100ml) is a exfoliant by ELEMIS. Key ingredients include Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Sweet Almond Oil.

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Lancôme

Lancôme

Lancôme Rénergie Multi-Lift Night Cream 50ml

Moisturizer

$92.4650ml · $1.85/ml

★★★★★4.8(718)

Ideal for

  • ExcellentDryness
  • StrongFine lines & wrinkles

Not recommended for

Seborrheic DermatitisAtopic Dermatitis / EczemaRosaceaPsoriasisMelasmaPerioral Dermatitis

Lancôme Rénergie Multi-Lift Night Cream 50ml is a peptide serum by Lancôme. Key ingredients include Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetyl Alcohol.

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Estée Lauder

Estée Lauder

Estée Lauder DayWear Sheer Tint Release Advanced Multi-Protection Anti-Oxidant Moisturizer SPF15 50ml

Moisturizer

$57.1550ml · $1.14/ml

★★★★★4.8(581)

Ideal for

  • ExcellentDryness
  • RelevantFine lines & wrinkles
  • RelevantUneven texture

Not recommended for

Acne & breakoutsSeborrheic DermatitisPerioral DermatitisAtopic Dermatitis / EczemaRosaceaPsoriasisMelasma
Wella Professionals Care

Wella Professionals Care

Wella Professionals Care Oil Reflections Luminous Reboost Mask 150ml

Serum

$29.97150ml · $0.20/ml

★★★★★4.8(1,666)

Ideal for

  • ExcellentDryness
  • RelevantRedness & sensitivity

Not recommended for

Seborrheic DermatitisAtopic Dermatitis / EczemaRosacea

Wella Professionals Care Oil Reflections Luminous Reboost Mask 150ml is a antioxidant serum by Wella Professionals Care. Key ingredients include Stearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, Panthenol.

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Educational information, not medical advice. Study findings summarise the cited research and may not reflect every formulation.