Texture Enhancer
Cetyl Esters
INCI: synthetic spermaceti wax
Also known as: synthetic spermaceti wax, Cetyl esters wax
Synthetic wax that replaces spermaceti (wax from sperm whales)
At a glance
Fatty Alcohol
May feed Fungal Acne
EWG Safety Score
2
Low
What Is Cetyl Esters?
Cetyl esters is a synthetic wax that is a replacement for a wax that’s obtained from sperm whales. Works on skin as an emollient and texture enhancer, typically creating a thicker feel.
Clinical Evidence & References
Published Research
-
Bioprocess and Biosystems Engineering, April 2016, pages 641-649 Bioprocess and Biosystems Engineering, 2016
-
International Journal of Toxicology, September 2015, pages 5S-69S International Journal of Toxicology, 2015
How widely it's used
0.6%
of skincare products contain this ingredient
— placing it in the top 25% of most-used ingredients.
Most common in:
Moisturisers
Regulatory information
Standardised cosmetic-ingredient identifiers used by regulators.
Show identifiers
- INCI Name
- CETYL ESTERS
- Function
- Emollient, Skin Conditioning
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