Hexyldecyl stearate is a chemical compound, the esters mixture resulting from the reaction of 2-hexyldecyl alcohol with stearic acid.

The name defines the structure of the molecule:

• Hexyldecyl. This part of the name comes from "Hexyldecanol". " Hexyl" refers to the alkyl group C₆H₁₃- and "decyl" refers to an alkyl group C₁₀H₂₁-. Together, "hexyldecyl" refers to the C₁₆H₃₃-alkyl group, which is the part of the Hexyldecanol molecule that remains in the final ester.
• Stearate is derived from "stearic acid" and is the name given to the ester or salt form of stearic acid. Stearic acid is a long chain fatty acid with 18 carbon atoms. In the esterification reaction to form Hexyldecyl stearate, the hydroxyl (-OH) group of stearic acid is replaced by the hexyldecyl group, forming the ester.

The synthesis process takes place in several stages:

• Preparation. Hexyldecanol is derived from petrochemical sources, while stearic acid can be obtained from animal or vegetable fats and oils.
• Esterification reaction. Hexyldecanol acid and stearic acid react together in an esterification reaction. This results in the formation of an ester bond between the stearic acid carboxyl group and the hydroxyl group of Hexyldecanol. The reaction is catalyzed by an acid and involves heating the reagents to promote the reaction.
• Purification. The reaction mixture is then purified to isolate Hexyldecyl Stearate by processes such as distillation, filtration and drying.
• Quality control test. The final product is tested to ensure it meets the required specifications with tests for purity, consistency and other physical and chemical properties.

What it is used for and where

Cosmetics

Skin conditioning agent - Emollient. Emollients have the characteristic of enhancing the skin barrier through a source of exogenous lipids that adhere to the skin, improving barrier properties by filling gaps in intercorneocyte clusters to improve hydration while protecting against inflammation. In practice, they have the ability to create a barrier that prevents transepidermal water loss. Emollients are described as degreasing or refreshing additives that improve the lipid content of the upper layers of the skin by preventing degreasing and drying of the skin. The problem with emollients is that many have a strong lipophilic character and are identified as occlusive ingredients; they are oily and fatty materials that remain on the skin surface and reduce transepidermal water loss. In cosmetics, emollients and moisturisers are often considered synonymous with humectants and occlusives.

CAS: 17618-45-0