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Cholesterol

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Catalog Number	CI-SC-0563
Product Name	Cholesterol
CAS	57-88-5
Structure
Synonyms	3β-Hydroxycholest-5-ene
Description	Cholesterol is a natural waxy substance that is found in human skin and is also commonly used in cosmetics and skincare products. In cosmetics, cholesterol is used as a moisturizer and emollient to help soften and smooth the skin, as well as to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It is also believed to help strengthen the skin's barrier function and protect against environmental damage. The chemical formula of cholesterol is C27H46O, and it typically appears as a white or off-white powder or solid. It is also available in liquid form, often in combination with other ingredients.
IUPAC Name	(3S,8S,9S,10R,13R,14S,17R)-10,13-Dimethyl-17-[(2R)-6-methylheptan-2-yl]-2,3,4,7,8,9,11,12,14,15,16,17-dodecahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-3-ol
Molecular Weight	386.66 g/mol
Molecular Formula	C27H46O
Canonical SMILES	CC(C)CCCC(C)C1CCC2C1(CCC3C2CC=C4C3(CCC(C4)O)C)C
InChI	InChI=1S/C27H46O/c1-18(2)7-6-8-19(3)23-11-12-24-22-10-9-20-17-21(28)13-15-26(20,4)25(22)14-16-27(23,24)5/h9,18-19,21-25,28H,6-8,10-17H2,1-5H3/t19-,21+,22+,23-,24+,25+,26+,27-/m1/s1
InChI Key	HVYWMOMLDIMFJA-DPAQBDIFSA-N
Boiling Point	360 °C
Melting Point	148-150 °C
Flash Point	250 °C
Purity	98%
Density	1.06 g/mL
Appearance	White powder
Storage	-20 °C
Features And Benefits	1. Provides stability and structure to formulations 2. Enhances emollient properties for smoother skin 3. Acts as a natural moisturizer by retaining water in the skin 4. Helps improve skin barrier function and prevent moisture loss 5. Boosts the effectiveness of other ingredients in skincare products 6. Has anti-aging properties by promoting collagen production 7. Helps to reduce inflammation and redness in the skin.
Isomeric SMILES	C[C@H](CCCC(C)C)[C@H]1CC[C@@H]2[C@@]1(CC[C@H]3[C@H]2CC=C4[C@@]3(CC[C@@H](C4)O)C)C
Refractive Index	1.5250
Topological Polar Surface Area	20.2 Å²

Product Overview

Cholesterol, a naturally occurring white crystalline powder, is one of the most prevalent sterols found in animal tissues, either freely or in complex forms. It plays a critical role in enabling lipids to retain moisture and is instrumental in the synthesis of steroid hormones, vitamin D, and bile. Furthermore, it is vital for maintaining the normal functions of the skin. Commercially sourced from wool grease through processes of fractionation, extraction, and purification, cholesterol is insoluble in water but dissolves in most organic solvents, including oils. Within the pharmaceutical and cosmeceutical sectors, cholesterol serves as a water-in-oil emulsifier or co-emulsifier, integrating active ingredients into ointments and creams, and stabilizing compounds like liposomes and tocopherol (Vitamin E). It also functions as a secondary oil-in-water emulsifier and acts as a moisturizer in topical formulations. This lipophilic sterol effectively penetrates the skin barrier, enhancing the binding of collagen fibers to cell membranes, expanding the surface area of the outer lipid layer, and improving the interconnectedness of collagen monomers. Additionally, cholesterol bolsters the membrane's elasticity, aiding in the structural integrity of the extracellular matrix, which ultimately enhances skin elasticity.

Custom Q&A

What is Cholesterol, and why is it important?

Cholesterol is a white crystalline powder and a key sterol found extensively in animal tissues both in free and complex states. It plays a significant role in the body and is crucial for the production of steroid hormones, vitamin D, and bile. Additionally, cholesterol is vital for maintaining healthy skin by contributing to the skin's normal functions.

How is commercial Cholesterol derived and used?

Commercially, cholesterol is derived from wool grease through processes of fractionation, extraction, and purification. It is used in the pharmaceutical and cosmeceutical industries as a water-in-oil emulsifier or co-emulsifier, which incorporates active compounds into ointments and creams and stabilizes liposomes or Tocopherol (Vitamin E). It's also used as a secondary oil-in-water emulsifier and a skin moisturizer suitable for topical formulations.

What properties make Cholesterol beneficial for skin care formulations?

Cholesterol is a lipophile sterol that quickly penetrates the skin barrier, promoting collagen fiber binding on the cell membrane surface. It enhances the elasticity of the skin by expanding the separation of the external lipid layer and improves the membrane's elasticity. This action restricts the collagen parts' penetration during self-assembly, thereby playing a crucial role in the skin's extracellular matrix (ECM) structures.

Why is Cholesterol added to ointments and creams?

Cholesterol is added to ointments and creams for its abilities as an emulsifier and stabilizer. It helps incorporate active compounds effectively, stabilizes formulations such as liposomes, and enhances topical absorption. Additionally, its moisturizing properties contribute to skin hydration and elasticity.

Is Cholesterol soluble, and in what solvents does it dissolve?

Cholesterol is insoluble in water, but it is soluble in most organic solvents, including oils. This solubility makes it particularly effective for use in products that require oil-based emulsification and delivery systems.

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