Cetearyl alcohol is a white, waxy mixture of cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol, both fatty alcohols, that is commonly found in cosmetic products like skin lotions, creams, and hair products. It is considered safe and nontoxic for use on the skin and hair, and is not drying or irritating. Here are some key details about cetearyl alcohol:
Positive:
- Acts as a moisturizer by helping bind moisture to the skin
- Softens the skin and hair
- Stabilizes cosmetic products, like lotions and hair products, by keeping ingredients together and controlling thickness
- Considered safe and nontoxic for use on the skin and hair
Negative:
- None found
Ingredients or materials:
- Cetearyl alcohol is a mixture of cetyl and stearyl alcohols
- Cetyl and stearyl alcohols are found in animals and plants, like coconut and palm oil, and can also be made in a laboratory
- Other names for cetearyl alcohol include (C16-C18) alkyl alcohol, alcohols C1618, C16-18 alcohols, cetostearyl alcohol, cetyl/stearyl alcohol, and 1-octadecanol mixed with 1-hexadecanol
- Other fatty alcohols used in cosmetic products include cetyl alcohol, lanolin, oleyl alcohol, and stearyl alcohol
