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7-Dehydrocholesterol

What 7-Dehydrocholesterol is & what it does

7-Dehydrocholesterol is a sterol and a natural precursor in the skin's own vitamin D pathway, where UVB light converts it toward vitamin D. As a cosmetic ingredient it is used as a skin-conditioning agent that can support the skin barrier and lipid matrix. It belongs to the same cholesterol family of lipids that help skin retain moisture and stay supple.

What does 7-Dehydrocholesterol do in skincare?

7-Dehydrocholesterol is a sterol used as a skin-conditioning agent. It belongs to the cholesterol lipid family that helps support the skin barrier and keep skin feeling soft and supple. In the body it is also a natural precursor in the skin's vitamin D pathway.

Is 7-Dehydrocholesterol safe?

7-Dehydrocholesterol is a naturally occurring skin lipid precursor and is used in cosmetics as a conditioning ingredient at low levels. Sterols from this family are generally well tolerated on the skin. As always, anyone with specific sensitivities should review the complete ingredient list.

Is 7-Dehydrocholesterol natural or synthetic?

7-Dehydrocholesterol occurs naturally in skin, where it sits in the vitamin D pathway. For cosmetic use it can be sourced or produced through controlled manufacturing to ensure purity and consistency. So the same molecule may be naturally occurring or commercially produced depending on the source.

Sunscreens with 7-Dehydrocholesterol

We rate 37 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:

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