Ingredient Encyclopedia

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Discover what’s inside your skincare — from retinol to aloe vera — with clear guides on benefits, uses, and safety.

Ingredient Encyclopedia

Cholesterol – Benefits, Side Effects & Uses

by ThankMeNow Editors on Sep 10, 2025
The clinical efficacy of Cholesterol in 2026 is defined by its role as the "Fluidity Regulator" of the skin barrier. While ceramides provide the structure, cholesterol ensures the lipid bilayer remains flexible and organized. Without adequate cholesterol, the skin's "mortar" becomes brittle, leading to micro-cracks that allow moisture to escape and irritants to enter. In dermatological research, topical cholesterol is recognized for its ability to accelerate barrier recovery after mechanical stress or chemical insults (like over-peeling). It is uniquely capable of transitioning the skin from a state of "rigid dryness" to a "supple resilience" by optimizing the packing of the lipid lamellae—the microscopic sheets of oil that keep your skin waterproof and calm.