Fatty alcohol that acts as an emollient and thickener. Softens skin and stabilizes emulsions. Safe for skin contact.
Topical application
DVery weak or conflicting data.
A structural formulation component. CIR assessed as safe. No therapeutic activity – functions as an emollient and stabilizer.
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.
Irritation potential
LowAllergen risk
LowPregnancy
SafeSuitable for
The 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.
Cetyl Alcohol is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
Cetyl Alcohol suits: dry, normal, combination, sensitive.
Fatty alcohol that acts as an emollient and thickener.
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 Cetyl Alcohol. It may also appear as: Цетиловый спирт.
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