Name
Cetearyl Alcohol
Description
Cetearyl Alcohol is a fatty alcohol commonly used in cosmetics and skincare products. It is a white, waxy substance derived from natural sources such as coconut or palm oil, or synthetically produced. Despite being an alcohol, it is very different from drying alcohols like ethanol or isopropyl alcohol. Instead, it serves as an emollient, emulsifier, and thickener, which makes it beneficial for skincare formulations. Cetearyl alcohol is a mixture of two fatty alcohols: cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol. These fatty alcohols give it its moisturizing properties.
Benefits
Cetearyl alcohol acts as a conditioning agent, helping to soften and smooth the skin or hair by locking in moisture. It provides structure to creams, lotions, and other products, giving them a creamy consistency.
Considerations
• Skin Irritation
At high concentrations cetearyl alcohol can be a skin irritant. However, diluted a cosmetic product, it's a low risk.
• Eye Irritation
The raw material can cause eye irritation.
Synonyms
Cetearyl alcohol
Cetostearyl alcohol
hexadecan-1-ol;octadecan-1-ol
Cetyl/stearyl alcohol
Research Sources
https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/62238
Summary
Generally safe as used.
Where Knowledge Grows