Plant-based cholesterol aids pro-ageing moisturisation

Discovered in 1758 by Francois Pouletier de La Salle and later isolated and purified in 1815 by Michel Eugene Chevreul, the study of cholesterol has been the topic of two Nobel prizes during the 20th century (in 1927 by Windaus for clarification of its structure and in 1964 by Bloch for elucidation of its biosynthetic origins). Ensuing investigations have maintained an expansive interest in this ubiquitous sterol. 

Across the world, cholesterol continues to garner increasing importance as a key ingredient in cosmetic products. According to Mintel’s Global New Product Database, the period between 2008 and 2017 saw an 8.7% compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) in new products containing cholesterol as part of their INCI declaration globally. Asia was the primary driver of this growth with a 13% CAGR over the same period. Other regions, especially Europe, have also contributed meaningfully to growing interest in this ingredient. 

The virtues of cholesterol are manifold. For example, it imparts excellent emulsifying properties to creams, lotions and other makeup formulations. This same quality also makes it an invaluable ingredient for the engineering of liposomal preparations used as delivery vehicles for the controlled release of cosmetic ingredients. Cholesterol, too, is frequently incorporated into cosmetic formulations because it adds emolliency without greasiness. Complimenting these virtues is the collective growing recognition of cholesterol’s role as an endogenous component in the skin.