Beauty Elixir

Fatty alcohol

Is Stearyl Alcohol comedogenic?

Comedogenic rating 2/5

Mildly, so most people are fine.

A moisturising fatty alcohol that thickens creams. It is not drying and is generally fungal-acne safe.

Comedogenic
2 / 5
Irritancy
1 / 5
Fungal acne
Safe
Type
Fatty alcohol
INCI name
Stearyl Alcohol
Also listed as
Octadecanol

Who should avoid it?

Suitable for most skin types. If you are very acne-prone, check where it sits in the ingredient list: the lower, the better.

Products that contain Stearyl Alcohol

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Frequently asked questions

Is Stearyl Alcohol comedogenic?

Mildly, so most people are fine. Stearyl Alcohol has a comedogenic rating of 2 out of 5. A moisturising fatty alcohol that thickens creams. It is not drying and is generally fungal-acne safe.

Is Stearyl Alcohol safe for fungal acne?

Yes. Stearyl Alcohol is not a known Malassezia (fungal acne) trigger.

Does Stearyl Alcohol cause acne?

It is unlikely to. Breakouts usually come from other ingredients in the formula, or from non-cosmetic causes.

What are other names for Stearyl Alcohol?

On labels it can also appear as Octadecanol.

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