What it is
7-Dehydrocholesterol is a sterol closely related to cholesterol and is the natural skin precursor that the body converts toward vitamin D upon UV exposure. In cosmetics it is used as a lipid skin-conditioning ingredient that supports a smooth, conditioned feel. It is included at low levels as a supporting ingredient rather than as a UV filter.
Safety & warnings
As a skin-identical-type sterol used at low levels, it is generally well tolerated. It is not a known fragrance allergen. No drug or vitamin-D claims are implied by its cosmetic use as a conditioning lipid.
Origin & sourcing
A naturally occurring sterol; for cosmetic use it is supplied as a defined sterol material, related structurally to cholesterol.
Questions everyone asks
Is 7-dehydrocholesterol a vitamin D ingredient?
It is the natural skin precursor associated with vitamin D formation, but in cosmetics it is used simply as a conditioning lipid, with no vitamin or drug effect implied.
What does it do in skin care?
It acts as a sterol-based skin-conditioning and emollient ingredient that supports a smooth feel.