Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the isolation of sterols or sterol mixtures from unsaponifiable fractions of extractants of vegetable origin, especially from the neutral substance of crude soap from the sulphate cellulose process. According to the process, the neutral substance and a small amount of a suitable solvent which, depending on the desired composition of the product, preferably is methanol or a mixture of methyl ethyl ketone, are mixed, when required, while heating, the cooled mixture is filtered and the sterol precipitate obtained is washed with a suitable wash solvent, preferably acetone or a mixture of acetone and methanol. The sterol mixture prepared according to the invention and obtained when starting out from the unsaponifiables of crude soap obtained from raw wood comprising birch and using methanol as solvent contains about 5% campesterol, 65 to 80% .beta.-sitosterol and 15 to 25% .alpha.-sitosterol.