Researched by Helena DeMaria-Williams
Formula IngredientEmollient, Emulsion StabiliserCetearyl Alcohol
INCI: Cetearyl Alcohol
Cetearyl alcohol is a blend of cetyl (C16) and stearyl (C18) fatty alcohols, typically derived from palm or coconut oil. Despite the word 'alcohol', it is a fatty alcohol that is completely non-drying and non-irritating — it belongs to a different chemical family from drying alcohols such as denatured or SD alcohol. It functions as an emollient, thickener, and emulsion stabiliser, giving creams and lotions a smooth, rich texture.
Category
Emollient, Emulsion Stabiliser
Irritation Risk
Low
Skin Types
dry, normal, oily, sensitive, acne-prone
What does this do in a formula?
skin conditioning, texture improvement, emulsion stabilisation, moisture retention, softening
Is Cetearyl Alcohol safe? Key considerations
Can Cetearyl Alcohol cause irritation?
Low RiskIrritation rating of 1–2 out of 10 on CosDNA and INCIDecoder scales, indicating minimal irritancy. Considered safe by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) panel for over 30 years and recognised as safe by the FDA. Rare contact allergy reactions have been reported in highly sensitive individuals. No Annex II or III restrictions under EU CosIng.
Does Cetearyl Alcohol increase sun sensitivity?
No RiskCetearyl alcohol has no phototoxic or photoallergenic properties and does not increase photosensitivity. No additional sun protection precautions are required when using products containing this ingredient.
Is Cetearyl Alcohol safe during pregnancy?
SafeCetearyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol derived from natural plant sources (palm/coconut) with no known reproductive or developmental toxicity. It is not flagged by EWG or major safety databases for pregnancy concerns and is widely considered safe for use during pregnancy.
How does Cetearyl Alcohol work?
Cetearyl alcohol is a blend of cetyl (C16) and stearyl (C18) fatty alcohols, typically derived from palm or coconut oil. Despite the word 'alcohol', it is a fatty alcohol that is completely non-drying and non-irritating — it belongs to a different chemical family from drying alcohols such as denatured or SD alcohol. It functions as an emollient, thickener, and emulsion stabiliser, giving creams and lotions a smooth, rich texture.
Individuals with known contact allergy to fatty alcohols should review the considerations above before use.
Which products contain Cetearyl Alcohol?
Shop products that contain Cetearyl Alcohol
Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Body Stick
Starter Retinol Serum
Advanced 0.2% Retinal Serum
Oat Cleansing Balm
Dewy Sunscreen SPF 30
Ectoin Hydro-Barrier Serum
1% Retinol Serum
PHA Body Water Cream
Succinic Acid Treatment
Brighten-i Eye Cream
Peptide Moisturiser
Vitamin B, C and E Moisturiser
10% Urea Moisturiser
Gentle Skin Cleanser
Hydrating Foaming Cream Cleanser
Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion
