Ingredient glossary / Emollient
Cholesterol
On the label: Cholesterol · Emollient
What it is
One of the three lipid families of the skin barrier, with ceramides and fatty acids; added to barrier creams, usually from plant or wool sources.
Emollients: Emollients fill the gaps between skin cells and leave the surface smooth and soft; oils, butters and esters.
Wikidata: Quantity of cholesterol in blood. Q2964389 →
In the research
5,334 PubMed papers mention it with skin, cosmetics or hair; the three most recent:
- Cholesterol- and Biosurfactant-Stabilized Ethosomes for Betanin: Formulation, Encapsulation and Controlled In Vitro Release · International journal of molecular sciences, 2026
- Comparative Transcriptomic and Lipidomic Analysis of Amphotericin B‑Susceptible and Resistant Clinical Isolates of Malassezia spp · ACS omega, 2026
- Phase 1b breast cancer prevention clinical trial of 9cUAB30 administered prior to surgical resection · Cancer prevention research (Philadelphia, Pa.), 2026
A paper is a paper, not a verdict: titles are listed so you can read them, and a study on cells or mice says little about a cream on a face.
Products whose label lists it
1 on the siteMatched from the ingredient list the supplier printed; the position in the list (first or thirtieth) is on each product page.
Other emollients
Dew & Balm describes ingredients from the public record and makes no claim about what a product will do for you. Statements about dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the FDA. If a product causes a reaction, stop using it; a reaction that spreads or affects breathing is a call to a doctor or 911.