Cetearyl Alcohol — answers to a fatty alcohol blend
Appears in 1 scanned product.
A waxy, solid mixture of cetyl and stearyl alcohol, both fatty alcohols derived from plant oils or made synthetically. Despite the name, it behaves nothing like drinking alcohol and is not drying.
Why it’s used
Used as a thickener and emulsion stabilizer, and it also softens skin and improves the texture and glide of creams and conditioners.
What the evidence says
Long history of safe use, reviewed by CIR with no significant concerns identified at the levels used in cosmetics. It is a rare but recognized cause of contact allergy in a small subset of people, more often via product residues than the ingredient itself.
Context
Common in both leave-on and rinse-off products at low concentrations; the allergy risk, while real, is uncommon relative to its widespread use.
Educational information, not medical or safety advice. Consult a professional for allergies or medical concerns.