Common Name(s): Dihydrocholesterol,cholestanol,5α-cholestan-3β-ol,saturated cholesterol
CAS Number: 80-97-7
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Conditions and softens skin by mimicking the skin's natural cholesterol content.
Why It's Used: Dihydrocholesterol (cholestanol) is the 5α-saturated (ring-reduced) form of cholesterol; it integrates into skin lipid bilayers similarly to cholesterol, supporting barrier function without cholesterol's potential oxidation concerns.
How It Works: Integrates into intercellular lipid lamellae of the stratum corneum mimicking cholesterol's structural role; the saturated 5α-ring prevents oxidation of the δ5 double bond; enhances skin barrier impermeability and moisture retention.
Typically Found In: Barrier repair creams,ceramide formulas,anti-aging skin care,sensitive skin products
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Functional ingredient – emollient
Secondary Functions: Skin conditioning,barrier repair
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 0.1%–2%
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Conditional - feedstock declaration required
Halal Status: Unverified - feedstock declaration required (plant, animal and petrochemical routes all exist)
Source Notes: Typically from lanolin (sheep wool) or synthetic; animal-derived unless specified synthetic. [audit 2026-07-29 rev2: origin-dependent: the same inci exists in plant, animal and petrochemical versions and the name does not discriminate. determination requires shariah-panel sign-off.]
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low
Comedogenicity Rating: 1/5 – low
Sensitivity Concerns: Generally well tolerated; good skin affinity.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Good safety profile. ewg score: 1.
Works Well With: Ceramides,cholesterol,fatty acids,phytosterols
Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Dihydrocholesterol (cholestanol) is the saturated analog of cholesterol; lacks the δ5 double bond that makes cholesterol susceptible to oxidation; can replace cholesterol in lamellar body lipid formulations without oxidative stability concerns; used in skin barrier repair alongside ceramides and fatty acids.
Last Verified: 2026-03-28
Primary Sources: Cosing database,inci dictionary