Common Name(s): Phytosterol,plant sterol membrane mimic,barrier repair emollient

CAS Number: N/a

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Integrates into sc lipid bilayers to restore lamellar order (replacing depleted cholesterol), reduces inflammatory mediator production, and provides emollient skin conditioning from the sterol's amphiphilic structure.

Why It's Used: Phytosterols directly replace the cholesterol function in sc lipid bilayers that is depleted in damaged, aged, and environmentally stressed skin — providing genuine structural barrier repair rather than occlusive surface treatment.

How It Works: Phytosterols integrate into the sc lamellar body-derived lipid bilayers at the orthorhombic/hexagonal phase transition zone, where they regulate lipid fluidity similarly to cholesterol. the 5,6-double bond and oh at c3 provide the hydrogen bonding and van der waals geometry required for sc bilayer integration and ordering.

Typically Found In: Barrier repair,anti-aging,natural emollients

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Functional ingredient – emollient

Secondary Functions: Barrier sealing,softening

Application Areas:

Typical Concentration Range: 0.1%–5%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Conditional - supplier confirmation required

Halal Status: Unverified - supplier confirmation required

Source Notes: Plant-derived, synthetic or animal-derived. verify source. [audit 2026-07-29 rev2: the record's own source_notes does not assert a non-animal origin, or instructs the reader to verify with the supplier; "yes" asserts knowledge the record does not hold. determination requires shariah-panel sign-off.]

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 1/5 – low; formulation-dependent

Sensitivity Concerns: Non-irritating.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Excellent safety profile. ewg score: 1.

Works Well With: Humectants,ceramides,actives as carrier

Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Sc requires an equimolar ratio of ceramides, free fatty acids, and cholesterol for optimal lamellar structure. phytosterols can substitute for cholesterol in this ratio — essential information for formulating targeted barrier repair for cholesterol-deficient sc conditions (aged skin, atopic dermatitis).

Last Verified: 2026-03-12

Primary Sources: Cosing database,phytosterol sc barrier integration cholesterol review