deep long-lasting moisturizing, speed barrier repair, counter skin aging
water dispersible cholesterol, highly concentrated at minimum of 11% Cholesterol
Water Dispersible version of Cholesterol
water dispersible cholesterol, highly concentrated at minimum of 11% Cholesterol
Why formulators add cholesterol to leave-on skin products
| Skin benefit |
Take-home |
Representative evidence* |
| 1. Speeds barrier repair & lowers TEWL |
Cholesterol is one-third of the skin’s “mortar” (with ceramides + free fatty acids). Re-supplying it in an optimal 1:1:1 or cholesterol-dominant 2:4:2 molar ratio cuts the time required for a damaged barrier to reseal by 30–50%. |
Ex-vivo human skin, aged volunteers: a 2:4:2 (cholesterol-rich) cream restored barrier integrity within 6 h, vs. 24 h for vehicle (PubMed 9308554). |
| 2. Deep, long-lasting moisturisation |
By filling intercellular spaces it reduces water flux and raises stratum-corneum hydration; clinical users report ~40% hydration gain in 24 h. |
Post-procedure study: “triple-lipid” 4% cholesterol formula ↑ corneometer hydration 39% in one day and maintained it 8 weeks (JDD case series). |
| 3. Counter-aging: restores lipid balance, smoothness, radiance |
Natural epidermal cholesterol falls ≥25% after age 40. Topical 4% cholesterol (with 2% ceramide + 2% FFA) refills the deficit, thickens the viable epidermis, improves laxity and pores. |
8-week open study (n=55): significant gains in fullness, luminosity, and texture using the 2:4:2 cream twice daily (L’Oréal white paper; PubMed 39231086). |
| 4. Treats inflammatory dermatoses (eczema, psoriasis, contact dermatitis) |
Physiologic-lipid moisturisers (≈ ceramide:cholesterol:FFA 3:1:1) reduced SCORAD/itch and allowed corticosteroid-free control. |
Five-centre RCT (atopic dermatitis, n=121): barrier-repair emulsion cut disease severity and pruritus within 14 days (PMC5608132). |
| 5. Pathogenesis-based therapy for genetic barrier defects |
Many ichthyoses, CHILD syndrome, porokeratosis and DSAP arise from blocked late-stage cholesterol synthesis. Co-applying missing cholesterol with a statin (to stop toxic precursors) normalises epidermis and scaling. |
• ARCI case series: glycolic acid + 2% lovastatin/2% cholesterol ↓ severity 57% @ 3 mo (n=15) (PMC6248126).
• Porokeratosis: topical 2% cholesterol/2% statin cleared lesions in 8 w (n=10).
• CHILD syndrome: marked improvement by week 2 with 2% cholesterol/2% lovastatin lotion (Anais Dermatologia case report). |
| 6. Adjunct wound-healing & post-procedure care |
Rapidly reseals laser- or microneedle-disrupted barrier, limits erythema and crusting. |
Fractional laser patients: triple-lipid cream cut downtime and improved re-epithelialisation vs. bland ointment (JDD case series). |
*Most studies use cholesterol in physiologic-lipid blends (e.g., 2–4%) to match the natural SC ratio; pure-cholesterol ointments alone do not perform as well.
Formulation pointers
- Target level: 2–4% cholesterol in a lamellar (water-in-oil or MVE) base gives maximal barrier recovery without greasiness.
- Synergy: Combine with ceramides + linoleic-rich fatty acids in a 1:1:1–2:4:2 molar ratio; include humectants (glycerin, urea) to pull water into the now-sealed SC.
- pH & oxidation: Keep bulk pH 4.5–6.5 and add antioxidants (e.g., tocopherol) to prevent cholesterol peroxidation.
- Regulatory/toxicity: Cholesterol is GRAS and non-sensitising; occlusive potential is low at <5%.
Used thoughtfully, cholesterol is more than an emollient—it is an active barrier-restoring lipid with clinically proven benefits across dry, aged and diseased skin.
Use: The main ingredient in moisturizer products for sensitive skin, dry skin, aging skin
How to mix: Can be directly disperse in water
Utilization rate: 0.1-5% (3% recommended)
Product characteristics: white liquid
Solubility: Can be dispersed in water
Storage: Valid for 24 months, please store in the room temp. *Do not freeze*
INCI: Water, Propylene Glycol, Cholesterol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glyceryl Stearate, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin
