Cetyl Alcohol

Other Name(s):

Palmityl Alcohol; CAS# 36653-82-4

Cetyl alcohol is made using palmitic acid (most commonly from palm oil, but coconut oil may also be used) and alcohol.

Is Cetyl Alcohol Faithful to Nature?

Depends.

Cetyl alcohol is a naturally derived ingredient which can be made using sustainable, renewable raw materials which have been ethically sourced. Should you wish to avoid palm or GMO derived ingredients, be sure to look out for our Palm Oil-Free and GMO-Free icons.

Benefits: Why is Cetyl Alcohol used?

Smooth Skin

Cetyl Alcohol is a skin conditioner leaving it feeling softer and smoother.

Soft Hair

Cetyl Alcohol offers great ‘slip’, helping to detangle hair.

Foamy Consistency

Cetyl Alcohol boosts the foaming ability of facial and body cleansers.

0% Alcohol

Cetyl Alcohol is considered alcohol-free

Learn more about Cetyl Alcohol:

On the Shelf: Which Products Use Cetyl Alcohol?

Cetyl Alcohol is used in a wide range of cosmetic and skincare products. It’s used in many hair conditioners (most typically in its cetearyl alcohol form), makeup such as lipsticks and lip balms, and in cleansers.

Production: How is Cetyl Alcohol Made?

Cetyl alcohol is made through a process called chemical reduction. This involves reacting palmitic acid (a fatty acids) with alcohol.

Interesting Fact: Cetyl Alcohol

‘Alcohols’ are a large and diverse family of chemical compounds, with a wide variety of effects on the skin. Skincare products labelled as ‘alcohol-free’ may still contain cetyl alcohol but that’s not a bad thing since cetearyl alcohol doesn’t dry skin out or cause irritation like ethyl alcohol (better known as ethanol), denatured alcohol, or isopropyl alcohol.

As a fatty alcohol, cetyl alcohol is chemically distinct from the common understanding of alcohol. It is in no way intoxicating.