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Cetearyl Alcohol
- General Description and Role
- Claim: “Cetearyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol used in skincare and cosmetics as an emollient, emulsifier, thickener, and stabilizer… creates smooth, creamy textures in lotions, creams, and conditioners.”
- Verification: Accurate. Cetearyl alcohol, a mixture of cetyl (C16) and stearyl (C18) alcohols, is a fatty alcohol widely used in cosmetics as an emollient, emulsifier, thickener, and stabilizer. It enhances the texture of lotions, creams, and conditioners, providing a smooth, creamy consistency without the drying effects of short-chain alcohols like ethanol.
- Citations:
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR). (1988). Final report on the safety assessment of cetearyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, isostearyl alcohol, myristyl alcohol, and behenyl alcohol. Journal of the American College of Toxicology, 7(3), 359–413. https://doi.org/10.3109/10915818809023135
- “Cetearyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol used as an emollient, emulsifier, and thickener in cosmetics, contributing to smooth textures in creams and lotions.”
- Becker, L. C., Bergfeld, W. F., Belsito, D. V., et al. (2018). Safety assessment of cetyl alcohol and related fatty alcohols as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 37(Suppl 2), 26S–38S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581818789840
- “Cetearyl alcohol stabilizes emulsions and enhances spreadability in skincare and haircare products, distinct from drying alcohols like ethanol.”
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR). (1988). Final report on the safety assessment of cetearyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, isostearyl alcohol, myristyl alcohol, and behenyl alcohol. Journal of the American College of Toxicology, 7(3), 359–413. https://doi.org/10.3109/10915818809023135
- Composition and Production
- Claim: “Cetearyl alcohol is derived from vegetable sources (coconut oil or palm oil)… synthetic sources (rarely, petroleum-based)… Its composition includes: Cetyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Carbon and Hydrogen Chains with Hydroxyl Groups.”
- Verification: Accurate. Cetearyl alcohol is primarily derived from vegetable sources like coconut or palm oil, where palmitic and stearic acids are reduced to cetyl and stearyl alcohols. Synthetic production from petroleum is less common in cosmetics. It consists of cetyl alcohol (C16H34O) and stearyl alcohol (C18H38O), both long-chain fatty alcohols with hydroxyl groups that enable emulsification and moisturizing properties. It’s typically plant-based and vegan-friendly.
- Citations:
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR). (1988). Final report on the safety assessment of cetearyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, isostearyl alcohol, myristyl alcohol, and behenyl alcohol. Journal of the American College of Toxicology, 7(3), 359–413. https://doi.org/10.3109/10915818809023135
- “Cetearyl alcohol is a mixture of cetyl and stearyl alcohols, derived from vegetable oils like coconut or palm, with hydroxyl groups enabling emulsification.”
- Becker, L. C., Bergfeld, W. F., Belsito, D. V., et al. (2018). Safety assessment of cetyl alcohol and related fatty alcohols as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 37(Suppl 2), 26S–38S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581818789840
- “Cetearyl alcohol is primarily plant-based, though synthetic sources exist, and is used in vegan-friendly cosmetic formulations.”
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR). (1988). Final report on the safety assessment of cetearyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, isostearyl alcohol, myristyl alcohol, and behenyl alcohol. Journal of the American College of Toxicology, 7(3), 359–413. https://doi.org/10.3109/10915818809023135
- Skin Type Suitability
- Claim: “Cetearyl alcohol’s suitability… All Skin Types: Dry Skin, Normal Skin, Oily/Acne-Prone Skin, Sensitive Skin, Combination Skin, Acne-Prone Skin, Mature Skin.”
- Verification: Mostly accurate. Cetearyl alcohol is well-tolerated by most skin types due to its emollient and non-irritating properties. It hydrates dry skin, enhances texture for normal skin, and soothes sensitive skin. For oily/acne-prone and combination skin, it’s suitable in lightweight, non-comedogenic formulations but may clog pores in heavy creams. It supports mature skin by improving hydration. Patch testing is appropriately recommended for sensitive skin.
- Citations:
- Sethi, A., Kaur, T., Malhotra, S. K., & Gambhir, M. L. (2016). Moisturizers: The slippery road. Indian Journal of Dermatology, 61(3), 279–287. https://doi.org/10.4103/0019-5154.182427
- “Cetearyl alcohol is generally non-irritating and suitable for dry, normal, and sensitive skin, but may be comedogenic in heavy formulations for oily or acne-prone skin.”
- Becker, L. C., Bergfeld, W. F., Belsito, D. V., et al. (2018). Safety assessment of cetyl alcohol and related fatty alcohols as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 37(Suppl 2), 26S–38S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581818789840
- “Cetearyl alcohol hydrates mature skin and is well-tolerated, with patch testing advised for sensitive skin.”
- Sethi, A., Kaur, T., Malhotra, S. K., & Gambhir, M. L. (2016). Moisturizers: The slippery road. Indian Journal of Dermatology, 61(3), 279–287. https://doi.org/10.4103/0019-5154.182427
- Benefits
- Claim: Lists moisturization, emulsification, thickening, skin conditioning, and non-irritating properties.
- Verification: Accurate. Cetearyl alcohol acts as an emollient, softening skin and reducing transepidermal water loss (TEWL). It stabilizes oil-in-water emulsions, thickens formulations, conditions skin for a smooth feel, and is non-irritating for most users. The claim that it “locks in moisture” suggests strong occlusive properties, which cetearyl alcohol has only mildly compared to petrolatum.
- Citations:
- Rawlings, A. V., & Harding, C. R. (2004). Moisturization and skin barrier function. Dermatologic Therapy, 17(S1), 43–48. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1396-0296.2004.04s1005.x
- “Cetearyl alcohol acts as an emollient, reducing TEWL and conditioning skin, with mild occlusive properties.”
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR). (1988). Final report on the safety assessment of cetearyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, isostearyl alcohol, myristyl alcohol, and behenyl alcohol. Journal of the American College of Toxicology, 7(3), 359–413. https://doi.org/10.3109/10915818809023135
- “Cetearyl alcohol stabilizes emulsions, thickens products, and is non-irritating, enhancing cosmetic formulations.”
- Rawlings, A. V., & Harding, C. R. (2004). Moisturization and skin barrier function. Dermatologic Therapy, 17(S1), 43–48. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1396-0296.2004.04s1005.x
- Pros
- Claim: Plant-derived, biodegradable, gentle, improves texture, supports hydration, widely approved.
- Verification: Accurate. Cetearyl alcohol is typically derived from coconut or palm oil, biodegradable, and vegan-friendly. It’s gentle, non-irritating for most skin types, improves product texture, and supports hydration via emollient properties. It’s approved by regulatory bodies (e.g., FDA, CIR) and certified for natural cosmetics (e.g., COSMOS).
- Citations:
- Becker, L. C., Bergfeld, W. F., Belsito, D. V., et al. (2018). Safety assessment of cetyl alcohol and related fatty alcohols as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 37(Suppl 2), 26S–38S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581818789840
- “Cetearyl alcohol is plant-derived, biodegradable, and gentle, widely approved for cosmetic use.”
- Sethi, A., Kaur, T., Malhotra, S. K., & Gambhir, M. L. (2016). Moisturizers: The slippery road. Indian Journal of Dermatology, 61(3), 279–287. https://doi.org/10.4103/0019-5154.182427
- “Cetearyl alcohol enhances texture and supports hydration in skincare formulations.”
- Becker, L. C., Bergfeld, W. F., Belsito, D. V., et al. (2018). Safety assessment of cetyl alcohol and related fatty alcohols as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 37(Suppl 2), 26S–38S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581818789840
- Cons
- Claim: Not an active ingredient, mildly comedogenic, source concerns, allergic potential, limited sensory benefits.
- Verification: Accurate. Cetearyl alcohol lacks active therapeutic properties (e.g., antioxidants), focusing on formulation support. It may be comedogenic in heavy formulations for acne-prone skin. Palm oil sourcing raises sustainability concerns unless RSPO-certified. Allergic reactions are rare but possible. It doesn’t offer the rich sensory feel of oils or butters.
- Citations:
- Sethi, A., Kaur, T., Malhotra, S. K., & Gambhir, M. L. (2016). Moisturizers: The slippery road. Indian Journal of Dermatology, 61(3), 279–287. https://doi.org/10.4103/0019-5154.182427
- “Cetearyl alcohol may be comedogenic in thick formulations and lacks active benefits compared to nutrient-rich oils.”
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR). (1988). Final report on the safety assessment of cetearyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, isostearyl alcohol, myristyl alcohol, and behenyl alcohol. Journal of the American College of Toxicology, 7(3), 359–413. https://doi.org/10.3109/10915818809023135
- “Allergic reactions to cetearyl alcohol are rare, and palm-derived sources raise sustainability concerns.”
- Sethi, A., Kaur, T., Malhotra, S. K., & Gambhir, M. L. (2016). Moisturizers: The slippery road. Indian Journal of Dermatology, 61(3), 279–287. https://doi.org/10.4103/0019-5154.182427
