Overview

Policosanol is a natural mixture of long-chain aliphatic alcohols found in various plant waxes, with sugarcane wax being one of the most common commercial sources. Its primary components include 1-octacosanol, 1-dotriacontanol, 1-tetracosanol, 1-tetratriacontanol, 1-hexacosanol, 1-heptacosanol, and 1-nonacosanol.

Scientific literature has explored the role of policosanol in supporting aspects of lipid metabolism and overall metabolic wellness. Numerous preclinical and clinical studies have examined how this group of compounds interacts with pathways involved in maintaining healthy physiological function (Gouni-Berthold, 2002; Menéndez, 1994; Menéndez, 1996).

The healthful role of policosanol in cosmetic and personal care formulations is described in a recent US Patent (Majeed, et al., 2007) that details a solvent-free extraction process for policosanol from natural sources. This patent describes an innovative process for producing commercial quantities of policosanol containing 70 to 95 percent C28 fatty alcohol (Octacosanol) along with other lower chain length fatty alcohols, for use in cosmeceutical applications designed to control sebum, inhibit the growth of microbes and promote hydration and softening of the skin. Moreover, the process of extraction is solvent free so that it has low environmental impact.