Ingredient Checker

Cetearyl Alcohol

Fatty alcohol derived from vegetable sources (coconut, palm, or rapeseed oil). Despite the name, it's not drying like simple alcohols—it functions as an emollient, emulsifier, and thickener in cosmetic formulations.

Rating:
2

About This Ingredient

Learn more about this ingredient and how it affects your skin.

How It Can Clog Pores

Generally considered safe, but can accumulate in pores when used in very heavy formulations. Primarily problematic when combined with other comedogenic ingredients rather than on its own.

Where It's Found

Creams, lotions, emulsified products, hair conditioners

Risk

LOW

Alternative

Lightweight emulsifiers, Ceteareth-20, Polysorbate-20

Derived From

Vegetable oils (coconut, palm, rapeseed)