Exfoliants

Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate

Reviewed by Emma · Last updated 18 Aug 2026

Also known as: Ester

Ester that functions as a skin conditioning and viscosity-increasing ingredient | Ruled safe at usage rates between 2-15%

At a glance

May feed Fungal Acne

Addresses

Skin Conditioning, Viscosity-Increasing, Emollient, Texture Enhancer

Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate products at Skintique

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What Is Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate?

Octyldodecyl stearoyl stearate is an ester that functions as a skin conditioning and viscosity-increasing ingredient in cosmetics. It may be animal-derived or synthetic and its use in products such as moisturizers adds noticeable cushion, enhances spread, and promotes a long-lasting smooth feel.

The independent Cosmetic Ingredient Review panel ruled octyldodecyl stearoyl stearate safe as used in cosmetics, where at the time usage concentrations ranged from 2-15%. As of September 2022, the panel reopened its report because of an increased concentration of use.

In its raw form, octyldodecyl stearoyl stearate is an amber colored liquid.

Clinical Evidence & References

Published Research

  • CosmeticsInfo.Org, Accessed March 2023, Website [https://www.cosmeticsinfo.org/ingredient/octyldodecyl-stearoyl-stearate/]
  • International Journal of Toxicology, 2005, pages 65-74 [https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/10915810500257113]

How widely it's used

1.5%
of skincare products contain this ingredient — placing it in the top 25% of most-used ingredients.
Most common in: Moisturisers

Regulatory information

Standardised cosmetic-ingredient identifiers used by regulators.

Show identifiers
INCI Name
OCTYLDODECYL STEAROYL STEARATE
EC Number
289-991-0
Function
Emollient, Viscosity Controlling

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