INCI name

Cetyl Alcohol

Also listed as: Hexadecanol, a fatty alcohol

Cetyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol, not the drying alcohol in perfume or hand sanitiser. It is a waxy, solid material used to thicken creams and to give a smooth, creamy feel. Cetearyl alcohol (a mix of cetyl and stearyl alcohols) and stearyl alcohol are close relatives with their own INCI names.

The word "alcohol" on a label worries some readers. The short-chain alcohols that can dry the skin are names such as Alcohol Denat., Ethanol or Isopropyl Alcohol. Cetyl alcohol does not behave like those.

Where it turns up

Creams, conditioners, body butters and lotions.

Sensitivities

Usually well tolerated. Fatty alcohols can feel heavy on very oily skin. Allergy is uncommon.

Vegan or animal-derived

Often from plant oils such as coconut or palm, or made synthetically. Palm-derived material raises a separate deforestation question that the INCI name does not answer.

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