What it is
Tall oil sterol is a mixture of phytosterols recovered from tall oil, a byproduct of pine wood processing in the kraft pulping industry. Phytosterols are structurally similar to skin lipids, so the ingredient is used to condition and soften skin, support a smooth feel, and help stabilize emulsions. In sunscreens it serves as a barrier-supporting emollient rather than as a UV filter.
Safety & warnings
Phytosterols are generally very well tolerated and are valued as gentle, barrier-friendly emollients. Tall oil sterol is not a recognized fragrance allergen and is not noted as comedogenic at typical use levels.
Origin & sourcing
Natural, plant-derived. The sterols are isolated from tall oil, a coniferous (pine) wood byproduct of the paper pulp process.
Questions everyone asks
Where does tall oil sterol come from?
It is isolated from tall oil, a byproduct of processing pine wood for paper pulp, making it a plant-derived phytosterol.
What does it do for the skin?
As a phytosterol it conditions and softens skin and supports the lipid barrier, while also helping stabilize the formula.