Pastelike Phytosterols

Pastelike Phytosterols at a glance

Pastelike Phytosterols is a soft paste of plant sterols that blends into butters and oils. Plant sterols are lipids found in many seeds, nuts and vegetable oils. Their structure resembles the lipids that make up the skin's own barrier, which explains their popularity in creams for dry and stressed skin. It is a soft paste, so handle it like a soft butter. The supplier data sheet and CoA give the INCI name and the suggested level for this paste.

Why sterols matter for skin comfort

The outer layer of the skin relies on a mix of lipids to stay supple and hold moisture. When this layer is dry, after sun exposure, shaving or cold weather, it feels tight. Lipid-rich creams with sterols, fatty acids and ceramide-like ingredients help the skin feel comfortable and soft again. Plant sterols are a natural choice for this lipid story.

Product formats

After-sun lotions

Light emulsions that help sun-exposed skin feel comfortable.

After-shave balms

Soothing balms that keep skin soft after shaving.

Creams for dry and dehydrated skin

Rich creams with a full lipid profile.

Age-defying creams

Creams that keep mature skin supple.

Shampoos and conditioners

Care for dry, brittle hair.

Processing

Warm the paste with the oil phase until it is fully melted and clear. Emulsify as usual. In shampoos, pre-blend the paste with a solubilizer or a small amount of warm oil and surfactant before adding it to the base.

Good partners

Ceramide NP and Vegetal ceramides complete a lipid complex. Avocado phytosterols add a second sterol source. Browse more in the actives catalog.

Testing

Check emulsion stability, texture and skin feel. Measure skin hydration and transepidermal water loss over several weeks for a barrier claim.

Claims

Skin feels comfortable, supple and nourished; lipid-rich care; hair feels softer and smoother.

Characteristics

Form: soft paste. Solubility: butter and oils. Listed uses: after-sun, after-shave, dry and dehydrated skin, skin prone to imperfections, age-defying care, shampoos and conditioners for dry hair. INCI and level: supplier data sheet and CoA.

Original recipe: comforting after-sun lotion, 100 g

Distilled water 71.50 g, aloe vera juice 5.00 g, glycerin 3.00 g, pastelike phytosterols 1.50 g, sunflower oil 6.00 g, squalane 3.00 g, glyceryl stearate citrate 4.00 g, cetearyl alcohol 1.50 g, xanthan gum 0.30 g, panthenol 2.00 g, bisabolol 0.20 g, phenoxyethanol and ethylhexylglycerin 1.00 g, tocopherol 0.50 g, fragrance 0.50 g. Melt the phytosterols with the oils and emulsifiers, emulsify into the hot water phase, cool and add aloe, panthenol, bisabolol and the preservative.

Building a lipid complex

A cream that combines all three tells a convincing barrier story.

Hair care

In conditioners, lipids help hair feel smoother and less brittle. Add the paste to the oil phase of the conditioner along with fatty alcohols and a conditioning agent.

Sensory notes

Sterol pastes can make creams feel slightly richer. Balance them with light esters for a non-greasy finish in after-sun products.

Range ideas

An after-sun lotion, a rich night cream and a conditioner can all carry plant sterols.

Lot records

Keep each CoA with the batch file and note the lot used.

Lab tip

Warm the paste gently before weighing so it scoops cleanly.

Record the lot number in your batch log so every production run can be traced back to its certificate of analysis. Retain a small sample of each lot for at least the shelf life of the finished product, since it makes later quality questions much easier to answer.

Storage

Store closed in a cool place. Close the container after use.