Stearyl alcohol

 ( Fatty Alcohols ) 

Stearyl alcohol, or 1-octadecanol, is an organic compound classified as a saturated fatty alcohol with the formula CH₃(CH₂)₁₆CH₂OH. It takes the form of white granules or flakes, which are insoluble in water. It has a wide range of uses as an ingredient in , , , and cosmetics. It is used as an emollient, emulsifier, and thickener in , and is widely used as a hair coating in shampoo and hair conditioner. Stearyl heptanoate, the ester of stearyl alcohol and heptanoic acid (enanthic acid), is found in most cosmetic Eye liner. Stearyl alcohol has also found application as an evaporation suppressing monolayer when applied to the surface of water.Prime, E. L., Tran, D. N., Plazzer, M., Sunartio, D., Leung, A. H., Yiapanis, G., ... & Solomon, D. H. (2012). Rational design of monolayers for improved water evaporation mitigation. Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects, 415, 47-58.

Stearyl alcohol is prepared from stearic acid or certain fats by the process of Catalysis hydrogenation. It has low toxicity.

• International Programme on Chemical Safety