Cetyl Alcohol
Part of our Ingredient Glossary — educational information about raw materials we may use in our products. We don't sell raw ingredients.
Don't let the word 'alcohol' fool you. Cetyl alcohol is nothing like the harsh, drying alcohols found in hand sanitizers or astringents. This waxy, white substance belongs to a completely different family called fatty alcohols, and it's one of the reasons your favorite lotions feel so smooth and luxurious.
Derived from the fatty acids in coconut or palm oil, cetyl alcohol has been a skincare staple since the 1930s. It's created through a process that converts natural plant oils into a waxy solid that melts at body temperature. This unique property makes it perfect for skincare formulations that need to glide on smoothly but not feel greasy.
In formulations, cetyl alcohol serves multiple purposes. It acts as an emollient, softening and conditioning skin by forming a protective barrier that prevents moisture loss. It also works as a texture enhancer, giving creams their rich, velvety feel without the sticky residue that some moisturizing ingredients can leave behind. Plus, it helps stabilize emulsions, ensuring your lotion doesn't separate over time.
We use cetyl alcohol in our richer formulations where we want to deliver serious moisture without the heavy, greasy feeling that can make some people avoid using moisturizer altogether. It's particularly valuable in products designed for dry or mature skin that needs extra conditioning but still wants to feel comfortable throughout the day.
