Phytosterol Complex

Phytosterol Complex at a glance

Phytosterol Complex is a yellowish paste that dissolves in oil. Phytosterols are plant sterols, found in oils such as rapeseed, soybean and shea. That similarity makes phytosterols useful in products that should help skin feel smoother, softer and better protected. The supplier data sheet and CoA give the INCI name and the level to use.

Barrier lipids in skin care

Dry, rough and sensitive-feeling skin often lacks some of these lipids. Barrier creams add them back from the outside.

Product formats

Barrier creams

Rich face and body creams for dry, rough skin.

Balms

Anhydrous balms for hands, lips and dry areas.

appearance-focused cosmetic care

Night creams for mature skin, which tends to be drier.

Hair care

Conditioners and hair masks that help hair feel smoother.

After-sun and comfort care

Lotions that help skin feel comfortable after sun or wind.

Processing

Melt the paste with the other oils and butters at 70 to 75 °C and stir until clear. Emulsify as usual. In balms, blend it into the melted oils before adding waxes. Phytosterols can increase the viscosity of an emulsion, so adjust the thickener if the cream becomes too firm.

Good partners

Ceramide Oil-Soluble Paste adds a ceramide angle, and the Membrane Lipid Complex completes a barrier package. Oat seed oil supplies fatty acids. Browse more in the actives catalog.

Testing

Measure transepidermal water loss before and after use to support barrier claims. Check for graininess after storage in the fridge.

Claims

Supports the look of a healthy skin barrier; skin feels smoother, softer and more comfortable.

Characteristics

Appearance: yellowish paste. Solubility: soluble in oil. Type: plant sterol complex. INCI and level: supplier data sheet and CoA.

Original recipe: barrier care in cosmetic formulas hand balm, 100 g

Sunflower oil 35.00 g, shea butter 30.00 g, Phytosterol Complex 5.00 g, beeswax 12.00 g, squalane 10.00 g, oat seed oil 6.00 g, tocopherol 1.00 g, fragrance 1.00 g. Melt the shea butter, beeswax and Phytosterol Complex with the oils, stir until clear, cool slightly, add tocopherol and fragrance, then pour into tins.

Building a skin-identical lipid mix

Formulators can mimic this by combining a ceramide ingredient, phytosterols and a plant oil rich in linoleic acid. This approach gives a strong, science-based story for barrier creams.

Plant-based alternative to lanolin

Phytosterols offer a plant-based route to a similar idea for vegan ranges.

Range ideas

A barrier face cream, a hand balm and a body lotion can share Phytosterol Complex and a skin-identical lipid story.

Lot records

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

Hair care uses

Hair also relies on lipids for shine and softness. Phytosterols in conditioners and masks help hair feel smoother and less brittle, especially after coloring or heat styling. Melt the paste with the fatty alcohols of the conditioner base.

Storage

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