Cholesterol in skincare
A lipid also found in the skin barrier.
What is cholesterol?
A lipid also found in the skin barrier. On the ingredient list, you can find the name Cholesterol. The dictionary uses both the common name and the INCI name, so you can compare the explanation with the packaging.
What does cholesterol do for skin and the product?
Often included alongside ceramides and fatty acids in barrier care.
Emollients make the surface more supple and affect how the product spreads. Lipids do not themselves add water, but some can also help retain moisture.
Cholesterol on an ingredient list refers to a cosmetic raw material, not a measurement of your blood cholesterol.
How to read the ingredient list
Look at the product's purpose and overall composition. Position on the list does not tell you the exact concentration used or how your skin will react. One substance can serve several purposes in the same product.
Questions about cholesterol
What does cholesterol do in skincare?
Often included alongside ceramides and fatty acids in barrier care.
What should I know about cholesterol?
Cholesterol on an ingredient list refers to a cosmetic raw material, not a measurement of your blood cholesterol.
Related ingredients
About sources and ingredient names
The European Commission's CosIng database is a reference for cosmetic ingredient names and functions. An entry does not constitute approval of all uses or evidence of a particular product effect.
DermNet: functions of moisturising care · DermNet: cosmetic formulations