Cetyl Alcohol

Cetyl alcohol is a gentle fatty alcohol and covalent (that is, non-ionic) compound. Cetyl alcohol is used as an emollient (moisturizing ingredient), emulsifier, thickener, and carrying agent for other ingredients. It can be derived naturally, as in coconut fatty alcohol, or made synthetically. Both forms are considered safe and effective for skin.

It is one of the longest-known fatty alcohols in skin care, having been discovered in 1913, when a French chemist isolated it from whale oil (hence the name “cetyl”, which is derived from Cetacea, the taxonomical infraorder in which whales are classified).

It is not related to SD alcohol, denatured alcohol, or ethyl alcohol. There have been some reports of irritation with cetyl alcohol in compromised skin; however, this is thought to be from impurities in the refining process and not from cetyl alcohol itself. Cetyl alcohol is considered safe for use in cosmetics, even in amounts surpassing 50% (although its typical usage range is 5–10%). It is not known to clog pores.