Stearyl alcohol

Stearyl alcohol, or 1-octadecanol, is a saturated fatty alcohol with an 18-carbon chain. It is a waxy solid used as an emollient, emulsifier, and thickener.

Fatty alcohol: A long-chain primary alcohol commonly derived from natural fats and oils or produced synthetically. Stearyl alcohol is the saturated C18 member of this chemical family.
Amphiphile: A molecule with both water-compatible and water-avoiding regions. Stearyl alcohol combines a polar hydroxyl group with a hydrophobic carbon chain.
Emollient: A substance that softens and smooths the skin by supporting its surface lipid layer. Stearyl alcohol reduces rough feel and contributes a soft, lubricious skin finish.
Fatty acid reduction: A chemical process that converts a fatty acid’s carboxyl group into an alcohol group. Reducing stearic acid produces the corresponding C18 fatty alcohol.
1-Octadecanol: The systematic name for the straight-chain primary alcohol with 18 carbon atoms. This name specifies stearyl alcohol’s chain length and terminal hydroxyl group.
Hydrogen bond: An attractive interaction involving a hydrogen bonded to an electronegative atom and another electronegative atom. Hydroxyl groups allow stearyl alcohol molecules to form hydrogen-bond interactions.
Emulsifying agent: A substance that helps keep otherwise immiscible liquids dispersed together. It supports stable oil-and-water formulations, often alongside other emulsifiers.
Hydrogenation: A chemical reaction that adds hydrogen to unsaturated compounds, often using a catalyst. Hydrogenation can convert unsaturated fatty feedstocks into saturated materials used to make fatty alcohols.
Stearic acid: A saturated fatty acid with an 18-carbon chain and a carboxyl group. Its matching carbon chain makes it a common precursor to stearyl alcohol.
Melting point: The temperature at which a solid changes into a liquid at a specified pressure. Its long, straight saturated chains pack efficiently, making the material solid near room temperature.

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