{"product_id":"cholesterol-nf-powder-cosmetic-grade","title":"Cholesterol NF Powder — Cosmetic Grade","description":"\u003ch2\u003eWhat Is Cholesterol NF?\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eCholesterol NF is a pharmaceutical\/cosmetic-grade cholesterol powder derived from lanolin (sheep’s wool grease), meeting National Formulary (NF) purity standards. Cholesterol is an essential structural lipid found naturally in the skin’s stratum corneum — one of the three critical lipids (alongside ceramides and fatty acids) that form the skin’s lamellar lipid matrix and maintain an intact, functional skin barrier.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIf you’re new to formulating, cholesterol is one of the most important barrier-repair ingredients you can work with. Skin barrier dysfunction is at the root of conditions like eczema, rosacea, dry skin, and sensitivity. Replenishing stratum corneum cholesterol alongside ceramides and fatty acids helps restore barrier integrity, reduce water loss, and calm reactive skin. It’s used at low levels (0.5–3.0%), works in both emulsions and anhydrous formulas, and is well-tolerated by all skin types.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFor experienced formulators: Cholesterol NF serves a structural role in the intercellular lamellar body lipid system of the stratum corneum. It is typically formulated as part of a physiological lipid ratio alongside ceramides and free fatty acids — the classic molar ratio being approximately 1:1:1 (ceramide:cholesterol:fatty acid). In emulsions, cholesterol functions as a co-emulsifier and lamellar phase stabilizer, improving emulsion structure and skin feel. It is oil-phase soluble and requires incorporation above its melting point (~147°C in pure form, but lower in lipid blends).\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eKey Benefits\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCritical skin barrier lipid\u003c\/strong\u003e — one of the three essential stratum corneum lipids; replenishes barrier structure and improves barrier function\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eReduces transepidermal water loss (TEWL)\u003c\/strong\u003e — restores lamellar lipid matrix integrity to lock in moisture and reduce skin dryness\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSupports sensitive, compromised, and eczema-prone skin\u003c\/strong\u003e — helps restore the disrupted lipid barrier in reactive and atopic skin conditions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCo-emulsifier and emulsion stabilizer\u003c\/strong\u003e — improves emulsion structure, stability, and skin feel in emulsion formulas\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAnti-aging support\u003c\/strong\u003e — skin cholesterol synthesis declines with age; topical replenishment helps restore youthful barrier function and skin texture\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePost-procedure and recovery formulations\u003c\/strong\u003e — ideal for use in formulas targeting skin recovery after peels, laser, or environmental damage\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePharmaceutical\/NF purity grade\u003c\/strong\u003e — high purity standard suitable for both cosmetic and topical pharmaceutical applications\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eApplications\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBarrier-repair moisturizers and creams\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEczema and atopic dermatitis formulations\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSensitive skin and reactive skin care products\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAnti-aging formulas targeting mature or lipid-depleted skin\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePost-procedure and post-peel recovery creams\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePhysiological lipid complex formulas (with ceramides + fatty acids)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEmollients, body butters, and occlusive treatments\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePharmaceutical-grade topical preparations\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFormulation Details\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eProperty\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDetail\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eINCI Name\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCholesterol\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCAS Number\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e57-88-5\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrade\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNF (National Formulary) — Cosmetic\/Pharmaceutical Grade\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSource\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLanolin-derived (ovine — sheep wool grease)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAppearance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWhite to Off-White Crystalline Powder or Flakes\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOdour\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFaint, characteristic\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMelting Point\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e~147°C (pure); melts at lower temperatures in lipid blends\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSolubility\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOil-phase soluble; insoluble in water. Soluble in chloroform, ethanol, and most oils at elevated temperatures.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRecommended Use Level\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e0.5–3.0% in emulsions; up to 5.0% in intensive barrier-repair or pharmaceutical formulas\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIncorporation Phase\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOil phase — must be melted into the oil phase at elevated temperature\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProcessing Temperature\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHeat oil phase to 75–80°C to ensure full dissolution before emulsification\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003epH Stability\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eStable across cosmetic pH ranges\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\u003ch2\u003eHow to Formulate With Cholesterol NF\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBeginner tip:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cholesterol is an oil-phase ingredient that needs heat to dissolve. Weigh it into your oil phase and heat to 75–80°C, stirring until fully melted and clear, before combining with your water phase. Start at 1.0% and combine with Ceramide Powder for a basic barrier-repair cream.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eExpert notes:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePhase:\u003c\/strong\u003e Oil phase. Must be fully melted before emulsification. In lipid blends, melting point is significantly reduced — cholesterol dissolves readily in warm oils.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eUsage rate:\u003c\/strong\u003e 0.5–1.0% for general barrier support in moisturizers; 1.0–3.0% in targeted barrier-repair formulas; up to 5.0% in intensive or pharmaceutical-grade preparations.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePhysiological lipid ratio:\u003c\/strong\u003e For maximum barrier-repair efficacy, formulate as part of a 1:1:1 molar ratio with ceramides and a long-chain fatty acid (e.g., palmitic or stearic acid). This ratio mirrors the natural stratum corneum lipid composition.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCo-emulsifier function:\u003c\/strong\u003e At 1–2%, cholesterol acts as a co-emulsifier and lamellar phase stabilizer in emulsions, improving texture and skin feel without contributing greasiness.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePairing with ceramides:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003ca href=\"\/de\/products\/ceramide-powder-cosmetic-grade\"\u003eCeramide Powder\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"\/de\/products\/water-soluble-ceramide-complex-powder-cosmetic-grade\"\u003eWater-Soluble Ceramide Complex\u003c\/a\u003e are the ideal co-actives. Together they form a physiological lipid complex that closely mimics the stratum corneum’s own lipid matrix.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePairing with Phytosphingosine:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003ca href=\"\/de\/products\/phytosphingosine-powder-cosmetic-grade\"\u003ePhytosphingosine\u003c\/a\u003e complements cholesterol by providing ceramide precursor activity and additional anti-inflammatory support in barrier-repair formulas.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003ePairings — Build a Better Formula\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eCholesterol NF performs best as part of a multi-lipid barrier complex. These verified store actives are its ideal partners:\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/de\/products\/ceramide-powder-cosmetic-grade\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCeramide Powder\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e — the essential barrier-repair pairing; together cholesterol + ceramide restore the lamellar lipid matrix of the stratum corneum\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/de\/products\/water-soluble-ceramide-complex-powder-cosmetic-grade\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater-Soluble Ceramide Complex Powder\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e — a pre-complexed ceramide blend for easier incorporation; pair with Cholesterol NF in emulsions and water-based formulas\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/de\/products\/phytosphingosine-powder-cosmetic-grade\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePhytosphingosine Powder\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e — sphingoid base and ceramide precursor; anti-inflammatory and barrier-restorative; completes the physiological lipid trio alongside cholesterol and ceramides\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/de\/products\/olive-squalane-oil\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOlive Squalane Oil\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e — lightweight, stable emollient carrier for cholesterol in both emulsions and anhydrous barrier-repair formulas\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/de\/products\/sodium-hyaluronate-powder\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSodium Hyaluronate Powder\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e — humectant hydration for the water phase of any barrier-repair moisturizer\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/de\/products\/allantoin\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAllantoin Powder\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e — soothing and skin-conditioning; ideal addition to sensitive skin and eczema-prone formulas alongside Cholesterol NF\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/de\/products\/d-panthenol-powder\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDL-Panthenol Powder (Provitamin B5)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e — skin-healing and conditioning; adds wound-recovery and moisture-retention support alongside barrier lipids\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eSuggested Formula — Physiological Barrier Repair Cream\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eA rich, emollient barrier-repair cream formulated around the physiological lipid ratio of ceramide, cholesterol, and fatty acid.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eIngredient\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003e%\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePhase\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDistilled Water\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eq.s. to 100%\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eA – Water\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/de\/products\/sodium-hyaluronate-powder\"\u003eSodium Hyaluronate Powder\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e0.1%\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eA – Water\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/de\/products\/allantoin\"\u003eAllantoin Powder\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e0.5%\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eA – Water\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/de\/products\/d-panthenol-powder\"\u003eDL-Panthenol Powder\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2.0%\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eA – Water\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eEmulsifying Wax NF (or BTMS-50)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e5.0%\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eB – Oil\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/de\/products\/olive-squalane-oil\"\u003eOlive Squalane Oil\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e10.0%\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eB – Oil\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCholesterol NF Powder\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1.5%\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eB – Oil (melt at 75–80°C)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/de\/products\/ceramide-powder-cosmetic-grade\"\u003eCeramide Powder\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1.0%\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eB – Oil\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/de\/products\/phytosphingosine-powder-cosmetic-grade\"\u003ePhytosphingosine Powder\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e0.5%\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eB – Oil\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/de\/products\/geogard-ect-preservative-cosmetic-grade\"\u003eGeogard ECT Preservative\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1.0%\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eC – Cool Down (\u0026lt;40°C)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMethod:\u003c\/strong\u003e Heat Phase A (water) and Phase B (oil) separately to 75–80°C, ensuring cholesterol and ceramide are fully melted into the oil phase. Add Phase B slowly to Phase A with continuous stirring or homogenization. Continue mixing while cooling. At below 40°C, add Phase C preservative. Adjust pH to 5.0–6.0.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTarget pH:\u003c\/strong\u003e 5.0–6.0 | \u003cstrong\u003eRecommended use:\u003c\/strong\u003e Apply to cleansed skin morning and\/or evening. Ideal for dry, sensitive, eczema-prone, or mature skin. Can be used on face and body.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eStorage \u0026amp; Shelf Life\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStore in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, heat, and humidity\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKeep container tightly sealed — hygroscopic; absorbs moisture if left open\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eShelf life: 24 months unopened when stored correctly\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eSafety \u0026amp; Handling\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFor cosmetic\/external use only — not for internal consumption\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAvoid inhalation of powder dust — use in a well-ventilated area or wear a dust mask when handling\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAvoid contact with eyes; rinse thoroughly with water if contact occurs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAlways conduct a patch test in your finished formulation before use\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKeep out of reach of children\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRefer to the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for full handling and disposal information\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Pure Actives","offers":[{"title":"10 g","offer_id":44580733223011,"sku":null,"price":19.99,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"20 g","offer_id":44580733255779,"sku":null,"price":28.99,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"50 g","offer_id":44580733288547,"sku":null,"price":45.99,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"100 g","offer_id":44580733321315,"sku":null,"price":70.99,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"200 g","offer_id":44580733354083,"sku":null,"price":129.99,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0598\/4154\/4291\/files\/CHOLESTEROLNF.png?v=1789080875","url":"https:\/\/www.pureactivesco.ca\/de\/products\/cholesterol-nf-powder-cosmetic-grade","provider":"PURE ACTIVES","version":"1.0","type":"link"}