Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate

Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate is a fatty ester emollient used to improve slip and barrier feel, typically in low-to-moderate percentages in creams, lotions, and color cosmetics. As a high–molecular weight, non-volatile lipid, it is generally non-reactive and has low irritation potential in patch testing, with adverse responses most often limited to rare individual intolerance rather than predictable stinging or erythema. In very reactive or eczema-prone patients, I still allow a small margin for occasional sensitivity or comedogenic-type intolerance, but overall it remains very gentle. Safety Notes: Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate is a waxy ester emollient/texture agent typically used at low levels (~0.1–1%) in lotions, serums, and sunscreens to improve slip and reduce tack, and at moderate levels (2–10%) in richer creams and makeup bases for cushion and structure. In consumer-available high-lipid anhydrous products (balms, solid moisturizers, heavy body butters, some stick products), it can be pushed into the ~15–25% range as part of the primary emollient/structuring phase; rinse-off products generally sit toward the lower end because high levels can feel greasy and can destabilize foaming systems. There are no specific FDA/EU concentration limits for this ingredient beyond general cosmetic safety and good manufacturing practice, so the upper end is driven mainly by sensory and stability constraints.