C20-22 Alcohols
Long-chain fatty alcohols. They thicken, soften and stabilize cream without drying. Well tolerated.
Evidence by route
Topical application
Functional fatty alcohols. Safe.
- CIR Cosmetic Ingredient Review safety assessment
How to read tiers A–F
- BLimited evidence. One RCT or several controlled studies with limitations
Tolerability and safety
- Irritation potential
- Low
- Allergen risk
- Low
- Pregnancy
- Safe
- Suitable for
- Normal, Dry, Combination, Oily, Sensitive
About this ingredient
C20-22 Alcohols are a blend of long-chain saturated fatty alcohols (20-22 carbons), which includes behenyl alcohol. INCI: C20-22 Alcohols. In a formula they work as an emollient, thickener, and co-emulsifier: they give creams body, stabilize the emulsion, and soften skin. These are functional fatty alcohols, not to be confused with drying ethyl alcohol: they do not degrease but instead nourish and hold moisture. Pregnancy safety. Systemic absorption through intact skin is negligible and there is no evidence of harm. They can be used during pregnancy and lactation. Tolerance. Irritation and allergen potential are low, suitable for dry and sensitive skin.
Frequently asked questions
Is C20-22 Alcohols safe during pregnancy?
C20-22 Alcohols is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
What skin types is C20-22 Alcohols for?
C20-22 Alcohols suits: normal, dry, combination, oily, sensitive.
What is C20-22 Alcohols and what does it do in cosmetics?
Long-chain fatty alcohols.
Is C20-22 Alcohols comedogenic?
On the Fulton scale 1/5 – very low comedogenicity. For acne-prone skin, a rating of 3 or higher suggests choosing an alternative.
What's the INCI name for C20-22 Alcohols?
The INCI name is C20-22 Alcohols.
See C20-22 Alcohols in a product composition right on the store page
The Evigrade extension adds an evidence panel to iHerb, Sephora, Druni and 12 more stores. This ingredient and every other one in the product show evidence-tier, allergen risk and pregnancy/lactation flags at a glance.
Similar role in the formula
Explore by category
Ingredients in the same category
C9-12 Alkane, Caesalpinia Spinosa Fruit Extract, Calcium Pantothenate, Calcium PCA, Glucomannan, Hydroxypalmitoyl Sphinganine, PEG/PPG/Polybutylene Glycol-8/5/3 Glycerin, Taurine
Published: · updated: