Ceto Stearyl Alcohol (Cetearyl Alcohol)

Cetearyl alcohol is a chemical found in cosmetic products. It's a white, waxy mixture of Cetyl Alcohol and Stearyl Alcohol (1-octadecanol, mixed with 1-hexadecanol), both fatty alcohols. They're found in animals and plants, like coconut and palm oil. They can also be made in a laboratory.

They're used in personal care products, mainly skin lotions, hair products, and creams. They help create smoother creams, thicker lotions, and more stable foam products.

Fatty alcohols are sometimes called long-chain alcohols because of their chemical formula. They usually have an even number of carbon atoms, with a single alcohol group (�OH) attached to the last carbon.

Common Uses & Safety

If you've ever used lotions, shampoos, or conditioners, you may have noticed they include a chemical called Cetearyl Alcohol. The good news is that cetearyl alcohol isn't "bad" for you, your skin, or your hair. Most importantly, cetearyl alcohol is very different from "regular" alcohols, like ethanol.

As a health-conscious consumer, you're likely always on the lookout for skin and haircare products that don't contain harmful ingredients.

Fortunately, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires manufacturers to list ingredients on a product's label so that you can make an informed decision about what products you choose to put in or on your body.

Products with cetearyl alcohol