Softeners and thickeners

Cetearyl alcohol

INCI: CETEARYL ALCOHOL · also Cetostearyl alcohol

An “alcohol” that is a white solid, not a liquid.

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C₁₆H₃₄O242.44 g/mol

Cetyl alcohol (C16)

oxygencarbonhydrogen

3D shape from PubChem 2682

All products13%

In hair colours71%

In conditioners59%

In face moisturisers57%

1,945 of 14,784 products with a full ingredient list in Open Beauty Facts; No. 21 of all the names found on their labels.

A mix of two fatty alcohols, cetyl (16 carbons) and stearyl (18 carbons).
2 sourcesHide

CETEARYL ALCOHOL (MIXTURE OF C16-C18 ALCOHOLS)[1] PubChem (US National Library of Medicine) · open source
cetostearyl alcohol (consisting predominantly of cetyl and stearyl alcohols)[2] Study · 2015 · open source
Despite the name, it is nothing like the alcohol in drinks: cetyl alcohol is a white solid, while ethanol is a clear liquid.
2 sourcesHide

white solid/odourless[3] PubChem (US National Library of Medicine) · open source
Clear, colourless, mobile liquid[4] PubChem (US National Library of Medicine) · open source

To thicken creams and conditioners and give them body. Conditioners pair it with the conditioning agent.
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Bodying agents and thickeners: Fatty alcohols (e.g. cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol)[5] Study · 2015 · open source
Creme rinses basically contain cationic surfactants, long-chain fatty alcohol or other lipid components.[2] Study · 2015 · open source

In conditioners, fatty alcohol and conditioning agent form a creamy gel. In one lab study, the firmest gels gave the easiest combing, cutting combing force by up to 95%.
Some evidencehair2 sourcesHide

The formulations with highest yield stress in each system which also maintains the highest dilution viscosity (6% BTAC/10% CA and 6% CTAC/10% CA) have the best effect on reducing overall combing force[6] Study · 2020 · open source
there is an 89% reduction in combing force and a 95% reduction in combing force in the BTAC/CA system of ratio 6:10[6] Study · 2020 · open source

Allergy to it is uncommon. In one report of five cases, all five patients also reacted to several other allergens, usually from steroid creams.
Some evidence2 sourcesHide

Emulsifiers are an uncommon cause of allergic contact dermatitis.[7] Study · 1997 · open source
Five cases of allergic contact dermatitis to cetostearyl alcohol are presented. In all five cases, multiple positive reactions to other allergens were present, usually topical corticosteroid creams.[7] Study · 1997 · open source

On the hair’s surface, as part of the conditioner’s creamy layer.

Some evidenceSourceHide

A 'conditioned' soft feel was observed on each hair tress as the sample was applied and after it was rinsed off.[6] Study · 2020 · open source

No EU limit: it is not on the regulation’s lists of banned or restricted substances, preservatives or UV filters.
How we checkedHide

We searched Annexes II to VI of the EU regulation (consolidated text of 18 May 2026): no entry.open the list

Not on the FDA’s list of prohibited or restricted cosmetic ingredients. In the US, cosmetics and their ingredients (other than colour additives) don’t need FDA approval before sale.
SourceHide

Under U.S. law, cosmetic products and ingredients, other than color additives, do not need FDA approval before they go on the market[8] US Food and Drug Administration · open source
We searched the FDA’s list of prohibited and restricted cosmetic ingredients: no entry.open the list

Checked against these sources on 4 November 2026. Spot a mistake? Tell us.