What Is Dehydrocholesterol?

Learn about the emulsion stabilizing, skin conditioning, and viscosity-controlling characteristics of Dehydrocholesterol and its usage in personal care products.

What Is Dehydrocholesterol? Brandon Jones / IngredientReviewer

Last Updated: October 2, 2024

Written by Brandon Jones

What Is Dehydrocholesterol?

Section Link

7-Dehydrocholesterol is a substance that has several uses in cosmetic products. It helps to stabilize emulsions, which keeps the different ingredients mixed together properly. It also conditions the skin and helps control the thickness of the product. In its natural state, it is a solid substance.

What is the purpose of Dehydrocholesterol in personal care products? It is used for its emulsion stabilizing, skin conditioning, and viscosity-controlling characteristics. Dehydrocholesterol helps mix ingredients and improve shelf life, moisturizes and strengthens skin, and adjusts the thickness of a product.

Names and identifiers that we found for this substance include: Dehydrocholesterol, Provitamin D3, Δ7-Cholesterol, 7,8-Didehydrocholesterol, Cholesta-5,7-dien-3beta-ol, Δ5,7-Cholestadien-3β-ol, (3b)-Cholesta-5,7-dien-3-ol, and "Cholesta-​5,​7-​dien-​3-​ol, (3β)​-".

What Are Emulsion Stabilizing Ingredients?

Section Link

Dehydrocholesterol has emulsion stabilizing characteristics.

Emulsion stabilizing ingredients help to mix two or more ingredients that generally don't mix well, such as oil and water, to create a stable mixture. They work by coating the oil droplets in the mixture, preventing them from sticking together and separating over time.

Emulsion stabilizing ingredients make the product last longer and more effectively and ensure it doesn't look strange or separate on the shelf. By helping emulsify, these ingredients help make the product more effective and stable over time.

What Are Skin Conditioning Ingredients?

Section Link

Dehydrocholesterol has skin conditioning characteristics.

Skin conditioning ingredients improve the texture, feel, and overall appearance of the skin, helping to avoid harmful effects from external factors. Skin conditioning ingredients moisturize the skin and strengthen its natural barrier function to help protect it from damage caused by harsh weather and sunlight. Some skin conditioning ingredients are anti-inflammatory and can help reduce redness and irritated skin.

What Are Viscosity-Controlling Ingredients?

Section Link

Dehydrocholesterol has viscosity-controlling characteristics.

Viscosity-controlling ingredients increase or decrease the thickness of a product. These ingredients are essential in creating the desired texture and consistency for cosmetic products such as lotions, creams, and serums.

Increasing the viscosity of a cosmetic product can provide a thicker and more substantial texture, making it easier to apply and providing better coverage. On the other hand, decreasing the viscosity can create a lighter, more fluid consistency, allowing for quicker absorption into the skin.

Safety

Section Link

Remember, always read and follow the instructions provided on product labels carefully. If you have any questions or concerns about using a product containing various ingredients, consult with your doctor or healthcare provider before use.