Cholesterol NF

Cholesterol NF

Essential skin-identical lipid for barrier repair, moisture retention, and improving skin resilience.

INCI: Cholesterol.

Appearance: White to off-white powder

Solubility: Oil-soluble; incorporated into the oil phase of formulations.

Typical Use Level: 0.2–2.0%.

Cholesterol is a key structural lipid naturally present in the skin barrier. It works synergistically with ceramides and fatty acids to maintain barrier integrity, reduce transepidermal water loss (TEWL), and support overall skin health. In formulations, it plays a critical role in restoring compromised skin, improving hydration retention, and enhancing the performance of barrier-repair systems.

What It Does

Cholesterol NF is a fundamental skin-identical lipid used to rebuild and strengthen the skin barrier, especially in dry, sensitive, or compromised skin.

It plays a critical role in the lipid matrix of the stratum corneum, working alongside ceramides and fatty acids to maintain proper barrier function. When incorporated into formulations, it helps improve hydration retention, reduce moisture loss, and restore overall skin balance.

Key Benefits

• Helps restore and strengthen the skin barrier.
• Reduces transepidermal water loss (TEWL).
• Improves skin softness, smoothness, and elasticity.
• Supports recovery of dry, damaged, or sensitive skin.
• Enhances performance of ceramide-based systems.
• Provides long-lasting hydration through lipid replenishment.

Suggested Use Levels

• 0.2–0.5% in light emulsions and daily moisturizers.
• 0.5–1.0% in barrier-repair creams and serums.
• 1.0–2.0% in intensive repair formulations.

Ideal Applications

• Barrier-repair creams and lotions
• Moisturizers for dry and sensitive skin
• Anti-aging formulations
• Post-treatment and recovery skincare
• Ceramide-based systems
• Dermal repair formulations

Formulation Notes

• Incorporate into the oil phase with heating for proper dispersion.
• Works best when combined with ceramides and fatty acids.
• Compatible with most emollients and emulsifiers.
• Typical formulation pH range: 4.5–7.0.

For optimal barrier-repair performance, cholesterol is often used in combination with ceramides and free fatty acids in balanced ratios.

Documents

• Certificate of Analysis (COA)t
• Safety Data Sheet (SDS)