Cetearyl alcohol in skincare
A mixture of cetyl and stearyl alcohol.
What is cetearyl alcohol?
A mixture of cetyl and stearyl alcohol. On the ingredient list, you can find the name Cetearyl Alcohol. The dictionary uses both the common name and the INCI name, so you can compare the explanation with the packaging.
What does cetearyl alcohol do for skin and the product?
Provides texture and helps stabilise creams.
Emollients make the surface more supple and affect how the product spreads. Lipids do not themselves add water, but some can also help retain moisture.
A fatty alcohol can be emollient even though its name contains alcohol.
How to read the ingredient list
Look at the product's purpose and overall composition. Position on the list does not tell you the exact concentration used or how your skin will react. One substance can serve several purposes in the same product.
Questions about cetearyl alcohol
What does cetearyl alcohol do in skincare?
Provides texture and helps stabilise creams.
What should I know about cetearyl alcohol?
A fatty alcohol can be emollient even though its name contains alcohol.
Related ingredients
About sources and ingredient names
The European Commission's CosIng database is a reference for cosmetic ingredient names and functions. An entry does not constitute approval of all uses or evidence of a particular product effect.
DermNet: functions of moisturising care · DermNet: cosmetic formulations