Database/Emollient/Ethyl Stearate
100% natural origin · ISO 16128

Is Ethyl Stearate natural?

Yes. Stearic acid is a natural fatty acid and cosmetic-grade ethanol is predominantly fermentation-derived, so both fragments count as natural.

INCI nameEthyl Stearate
CAS111-61-5
FunctionEmollient · Perfuming
FeedstockAn ester of stearic acid, vegetable oil derived,…

How we scored it

Ester of stearic acid (C18, natural, 283/312) and ethanol (C2H5, natural, fermentation-dominant, 29/312); both fragments natural. 1.0.
What counts. ISO 16128-2 scores the atoms that remain in the final ingredient. Reagents, solvents, catalysts and protecting groups used during manufacture leave no mass behind and are not counted.

Where it comes from

An ester of stearic acid, vegetable oil derived, and ethanol, which for cosmetic grade is predominantly fermentation (corn/sugarcane) derived rather than petrochemical.

In plain English

A smoothing emollient and fragrance ingredient made from a plant-derived fatty acid combined with alcohol. The alcohol is usually made by fermenting plant sugars.

References

  1. 1ISO 16128-1:2016 and ISO 16128-2:2017 — Guidelines on technical definitions and criteria for natural and organic cosmetic ingredients and products. ISO, Geneva.
  2. 2ETHYL STEARATE. CosIng — European Commission cosmetic ingredient database. ec.europa.eu/cosing ↗
  3. 3ETHYL STEARATE. CosIng u2014 European Commission database for information on cosmetic substances and ingredients. https://ec.europa.eu/growth/tools-databases/cosing/search?search=ETHYL%20STEARATE