| What is it? | Cholesterol is a fatty sterol that works as a wonderful emollient. It is extracted from lanolin. |
| INCI | Cholesterol |
| Appearance | Fine white powder |
| Usage rate | 1–10% |
| Texture | Smooth powder |
| Scent | Mine smells distinctly of lanolin, though I don’t notice it in finished formulations. |
| Approximate Melting Point | 147–150°C (297–302°F) |
| Solubility | Oil |
| Why do we use it in formulations? | Cholesterol is an excellent emollient for irritated/damaged skin and hair. It also helps support/repair barrier function. It can also help stabilize emulsions and thicken products. |
| Do you need it? | No. |
| Refined or unrefined? | Cholesterol only exists as a refined product. |
| Strengths | Cholesterol is an easy-to-use additive that is wonderful for the skin. |
| Weaknesses | Cholesterol is not vegan, and the smell may put off those with sensitive senses of smell. |
| Alternatives & Substitutions | Lanolin would likely be your best bet. Liquid lecithin or Brassica Campestris Aleurites Fordi Oil Copolymer could be decent vegan alternatives. Keep in mind that all of these options will be significantly less potent than pure cholesterol, so you may wish to alter the formulation to include more of the replacement ingredient to compensate. |
| How to Work with It | Include in the oil phase of your formulations. It can be hot or cold processed. |
| Storage & Shelf Life | Stored somewhere cool, dark, and dry, cholesterol should last 24 months from the time of manufacture. |
| Tips, Tricks, and Quirks | I first used cholesterol in this formulation from The Acid Queen. Check it out! |
| Recommended starter amount | 30g (1.06oz) |
| Where to Buy it | Buy it from an online DIY ingredient supplier or Amazon. |
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