Cetyl Alcohol
Fatty alcohol that acts as an emollient and thickener. Softens skin and stabilizes emulsions. Safe for skin contact.
Evidence by route
Topical application
A structural formulation component. CIR assessed as safe. No therapeutic activity – functions as an emollient and stabilizer.
- 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
Cetyl Alcohol (C16) is a straight-chain 16-carbon fatty alcohol. Sourced from plant oils (coconut, palm) by hydrogenation or from petrochemical hydrocarbons. Unlike drying alcohols (ethanol, isopropanol) – a gentle emollient and emulsifier, non-irritating. Where applied. Creams, lotions, hair conditioners, lipsticks, solid sticks, pharmaceutical ointments (1-15%). Thickener, co-emulsifier, emollient. Pharmacy brands CeraVe, Aquaphor (Eucerin), Bepanthen use cetyl alcohol as a base component. Mechanism. Forms a thin lipid film on skin – softens, retains moisture, restores barrier. Provides thick creamy texture and emulsion stability. On hair – smooths cuticle, adds softness. Evidence base. AAD 2024 includes cetyl alcohol among first-line fatty alcohols for xerosis and atopic dermatitis. Effect is part of the integral formula; no standalone comparative RCTs. Safety. CIR confirmed safety up to 50%. Hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic in most formulas. Allergic contact dermatitis described in chronic stasis eczema with prolonged use (Tan 2014) – rare, 0.1-1%. Does not sensitize healthy skin. Comedogenicity controversy. Older Fulton 1989 charts rated C16-C18 fatty alcohols mildly comedogenic (2-3 score). Current data (ESCD 2020) – non-comedogenic at <20% in formula. Severe acne-prone patients may avoid formulas with >25% fatty alcohols. Pregnancy and lactation – safe. Acceptable at any stage on any area, including breast and nipples during breastfeeding. Suitable for. Universal. Dry, normal, atopic skin – excellent. Severe acne – choose light textures.
Frequently asked questions
Is Cetyl Alcohol safe during pregnancy?
Cetyl Alcohol is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
What skin types is Cetyl Alcohol for?
Cetyl Alcohol suits: dry, normal, combination, sensitive.
What is Cetyl Alcohol and what does it do in cosmetics?
Fatty alcohol that acts as an emollient and thickener.
Is Cetyl 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 Cetyl Alcohol?
The INCI name is Cetyl Alcohol.
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Cetyl Esters, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Cetyl Palmitate, Chia Seed Oil, Glycol Palmitate, Lactamide MEA, Pongamia Glabra Seed Oil, Water
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