A blend of cetyl and stearyl fatty alcohols. Emulsifier and thickener that gives creams a stable, rich texture. Not to be confused with drying alcohols like ethanol.
Topical application
DVery weak or conflicting data.
An emulsifier and co-emulsifier, not an active ingredient. Safety confirmed by CIR. Contact dermatitis is extremely rare, with only isolated case reports.
Cetearyl Alcohol is a blend of fatty alcohols: cetyl (C16) and stearyl (C18) in roughly 50:50 ratio. Sourced from plant oils (coconut, palm, rapeseed) by hydrogenation, or from petroleum-derived hydrocarbon synthesis by-products. Despite "alcohol" in the name – it does not dry or irritate skin. Unrelated to ethanol or isopropyl alcohol. Where applied. Emulsifier and co-emulsifier in creams, lotions, balms (3-15%). Thickener – gives a rich creamy texture. Emulsion stabilizer. Emollient – leaves a thin protective film. In Spain – in nearly every pharmacy-brand cream (CeraVe, La Roche-Posay, Bioderma, Eucerin, ISDIN, Sesderma). Evidence base. AAD 2024 classes fatty alcohols (including cetearyl) as first-line emollients in xerosis and atopic dermatitis. Effect: barrier restoration, stratum corneum moisture retention. Direct head-to-head RCTs are rare – effect is integral within the formula. Safety. CIR confirmed safety up to 50%. Hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic in most formulas. Allergic contact dermatitis is described in patients with chronic stasis eczema with prolonged use – rare (0.1-1% per EPIA Patch Test 2020). Comedogenicity controversy. Some older charts rate it comedogenic (3-4 on a 5-point scale). Current data (Fulton 1989 reviewed by ESCD 2020) – non-comedogenic in formulas at <10%. Patients with severe acne tendency may avoid formulas with >15% cetearyl alcohol. Pregnancy and lactation – safe. Acceptable at any stage on any area, including breast and nipples during breastfeeding. Suitable for. Universal. Dry, atopic, normal skin – excellent. Oily and acne skin – pick light textures and lower concentrations.
Irritation potential
LowAllergen risk
LowPregnancy
SafeThe Evigrade extension adds an evidence panel to Wildberries, Goldapple, Letu, iHerb, Sephora 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.
Cetearyl Alcohol is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
Cetearyl Alcohol suits: dry, normal, combination, sensitive.
A blend of cetyl and stearyl fatty alcohols.
On the Fulton scale 2/5 – low comedogenicity. For acne-prone skin, a rating of 3 or higher suggests choosing an alternative.
The INCI name is Cetearyl Alcohol. It may also appear as: Цетеариловый спирт.
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Suitable for