Phytosteryl Macadamiate

Phytosteryl macadamiate is a fatty sterol ester used primarily as an emollient/skin-conditioning agent, typically at low percentages to improve slip and barrier feel. As a non-volatile lipid with no exfoliative or pH-dependent activity, it has low inherent irritancy in patch-testing experience and is generally well tolerated even in sensitive routines. Rare reactions can still occur in highly reactive or allergy-prone individuals (e.g., to complex lipid sources), but overall the irritation potential at typical use levels is very low. Safety Notes: In commercial leave-on products (lotions, creams, facial oils/serums, lip care), Phytosteryl Macadamiate is often used at low levels (~0.05–0.5%) as an emollient/skin-conditioning lipid and to boost barrier feel without materially changing viscosity. Mid-range use (~1–5%) is common in richer barrier creams and nourishing balms, while the highest consumer-available levels (~8–10%) are observed in anhydrous or high-oil-phase balms/sticks and intensive repair products where it functions as a primary emollient structurant; rinse-off products typically sit at the low end due to cost and deposition limits.