Ingredient Directory
Low Concern Evaluator Flag

Cholesterol

Cholesterol

Safety Notes

Critical barrier lipid alongside ceramides; plant-derived (phytocholesterol) available for vegan formulations; lanolin-sourced, flag for vegan/vegetarian assessment; optimum ratio with ceramides for barrier restoration approximately 1:1:1 (cholesterol:ceramide:fatty acid)

Function & Common Use

Function

Skin Conditioning / Barrier Repair / Emulsifier

Category

Emollient

Common In

Barrier creams moisturisers liposomal systems

Origin

Animal (lanolin) / Biotechnological

Concentration Limits

India (CDSCO)

No limit

EU Cosmetics Reg.

No limit

US FDA (21 CFR)

No specific 21 CFR cosmetic limit identified in source checked

Korea (MFDS)

No specific MFDS limit identified in source checked; verify if ingredient is used in a Korean functional cosmetic category

Pregnancy: No specific restriction identified in source checked; standard cosmetic use

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cholesterol safe to use in skincare?

Cholesterol has a Low concern rating from The Clean Sheet. Critical barrier lipid alongside ceramides; plant-derived (phytocholesterol) available for vegan formulations; lanolin-sourced, flag for vegan/vegetarian assessment; optimum ratio with ceramides for barrier restoration approximately 1:1:1 (cholesterol:ceramide:fatty acid)

Is Cholesterol allowed in India?

Cholesterol is currently classified as "Permitted" under Indian cosmetics regulations. No concentration limit is specified for India.

What is Cholesterol used for in cosmetics?

Cholesterol functions as: Skin Conditioning / Barrier Repair / Emulsifier. It is commonly found in: Barrier creams moisturisers liposomal systems.

TCS Assessment
Low Concern
Data Confidence
High
Based on peer-reviewed safety data, regulatory status, and expert review by The Clean Sheet panel.

Regulatory Status

India (CDSCO)
Permitted
EU
Permitted
US FDA
Permitted
Korea (MFDS)
Permitted
Australia (TGA)
Cosmetic ingredient; standard TGA cosmetic framework applies; no therapeutic goods listing required unless therapeutic claims are made
Canada (NHPID)
Not specifically listed as restricted cosmetic ingredient in NHPID source checked; standard Health Canada cosmetic notification applies

Identifiers

CAS57-88-5
EC200-353-2

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