Product Description

Cetearyl alcohol is a type of fatty alcohol that companies use to make various cosmetic products. It is an emollient, which means it softens the skin and hair

Manufacturers also use cetearyl alcohol to stabilize emulsions, which are mixes of oil and water.

Cetearyl alcohol is different from the alcohol in drinks, which is known as ethanol. While ethanol is drying to the skin, fatty alcohols are not. Experts widely accept cetearyl alcohol as a safe ingredient in cosmetics, and it is practically nontoxic, although some people can be sensitive or allergic to it.

Products that can contain cetearyl alcohol
Cetearyl alcohol is an ingredient in many products, such as:

moisturizing creams and lotions
shampoo
conditioners
exfoliants
sunscreens
hair sprays
hair dyes
hair mousse
facial cleansers
makeup, including foundations, lipstick, and mascara
shaving creams
body washes and bar soaps
baby wipes
antiperspirants and deodorants
toothpaste
nail treatment
hand sanitizer
body oil
mouthwash
fragrance
glitter
What does cetearyl alcohol do in skin and hair care?
Cetearyl alcohol has emollient properties, which means it softens and smooths the skin and hair.

Manufacturers also use this ingredient to alter the texture and performance of their formulas. They may add it to products to:

create an emulsion, which is a blend of oils and water
stabilize foams
increase foaming capacity
change the thickness of liquids.

Additional Information