In our reference data, Stearyl Stearate can feed Malassezia (fungal acne).
Stearyl stearate is a wax ester formed from stearyl alcohol and stearic acid, used in cosmetics as an emollient, thickening agent, and texture enhancer. It conditions the skin surface and provides a smooth, non-greasy feel in creams and lotions.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Skin irritation | Rare | Generally well tolerated; mild irritation possible in sensitive individuals. |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Very rare | Isolated sensitization reports, typically related to fatty acid derivatives. |
| Comedogenicity (pore clogging) | Rare | Possible in acne-prone skin due to its waxy, occlusive nature. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
Peer-reviewed papers on this ingredient, via PubMed.