Cetearyl Alcohol
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.
Evidence by route
Topical application
An emulsifier and co-emulsifier, not an active ingredient. Safety confirmed by CIR. Contact dermatitis is extremely rare, with only isolated case reports.
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review. Int J Toxicol. 1988;7(3):359-413.
How to read tiers A–F
- DNo data, or very weak or conflicting data
Tolerability and safety
- Irritation potential
- Low
- Allergen risk
- Low
- Pregnancy
- Safe
- Suitable for
- Dry, Normal, Combination, Sensitive
About this ingredient
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.
Frequently asked questions
Is Cetearyl Alcohol safe during pregnancy?
Cetearyl Alcohol is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
What skin types is Cetearyl Alcohol for?
Cetearyl Alcohol suits: dry, normal, combination, sensitive.
What is Cetearyl Alcohol and what does it do in cosmetics?
A blend of cetyl and stearyl fatty alcohols.
Is Cetearyl Alcohol comedogenic?
On the Fulton scale 2/5 – low comedogenicity. For acne-prone skin, a rating of 3 or higher suggests choosing an alternative.
What's the INCI name for Cetearyl Alcohol?
The INCI name is Cetearyl Alcohol.
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Ingredients in the same category
Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate, Cetearyl Isononanoate, Cetyl Alcohol, Cetyl Esters, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Sprout Extract, Jojoba Oil, Polyphosphorylcholine Glycol Acrylate, Vaccinium Myrtillus Seed Oil
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