Products
Stearyl alcohol is used as an excipient in pharmaceuticals, especially in semisolid dosage forms such as creams, as well as in foams. It is also used in personal care products.
Structure and properties
Stearyl alcohol is a mixture of solid alcohols. The main component is octadecan-1-ol (C18H38O, Mr = 270.5 g/mol). Stearyl alcohol is present as white flakes, grains, or masses and has a greasy feel. It is practically insoluble in water. When melted, it is miscible with fatty oils, liquid kerosene, and with melted lanolin.
Effects
Stearyl alcohol has emulsion-stabilizing, viscosity-increasing, slightly emulsifying and skin-conditioning properties.
Indications for use
As an excipient for semi-solid medicinal products.
