Cetyl Alcohol
Cetyl Alcohol is an emollient and surfactant ingredient. It’s in 1,085 products on Poliage, most often conditioner, body lotion and moisturizer. Avoid lists on Poliage that include it: none.
Updated October 21, 2026
In plain English
A fatty alcohol (not a drying alcohol). Softens skin, thickens creams and helps oil and water stay blended.
What it does
Contains Cetyl Alcohol: emollient
Function listed in CosIng
Contains Cetyl Alcohol: emulsifying
Function listed in CosIng
Contains Cetyl Alcohol: emulsion-stabilising
Function listed in CosIng
Contains Cetyl Alcohol: foam-boosting
Function listed in CosIng
Contains Cetyl Alcohol: masking
Function listed in CosIng
Contains Cetyl Alcohol: opacifying
Function listed in CosIng
Contains Cetyl Alcohol: surfactant
Function listed in CosIng
Contains Cetyl Alcohol: viscosity-controlling
Function listed in CosIng
Source: CosIng, the European Commission cosmetic ingredient database, ref 32596, accessed October 22, 2026. Also listed as alcohol cetylicus, 1 hexadecanol and hexadecanol.
Products that contain Cetyl Alcohol
Herbal Essences
Chamomile Shine Conditioner
Conditioner · Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, silicones
Bath and Body Works
Champagne toast body lotion
Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, parabens, silicones, formaldehyde releasers
chapstick
Lists fragrance, silicones
Kaia Naturals
CHARCOAL DEODORANT
Deodorant · Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, essential oils
Mad Hippie
Cheek & Lip Tint
Blush · Lists coconut derivatives
Dead Sea Collection
Cherry Blossom Mineral Body Lotion
Body lotion · Lists fragrance, parabens, silicones
The Body Shop
Chinese Ginseng & Rice Clarifying Polishing Mask
Exfoliant · Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, drying alcohol, exfoliating acid, salicylic acid
Tree Hut
Cinnamon Dolce Hydraglow Body Lotion
Body lotion · Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, drying alcohol, silicones
Shea Moisture
cirl & shine conditionner
Lists fragrance
clairol
Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, exfoliating acid, sulfates, silicones, salicylic acid
Facetheory
ClariClay AHA Face Mask
Mask · Lists exfoliating acid
Facetheory
ClariCleanse AHA & BHA Cleanser
Cleanser · Lists fragrance allergens, exfoliating acid, essential oils, salicylic acid, coconut derivatives
Sachajuan
CLARIFYING CONDITIONER
Conditioner · Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, drying alcohol, exfoliating acid, essential oils, silicones, salicylic acid, coconut derivatives
Murad
Clarifying Cream Cleanser
Cleanser · Lists fragrance, exfoliating acid, essential oils, salicylic acid, coconut derivatives
Head & Shoulders
Classic Après-Shampooing
Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, silicones
ChapStick
Classic Cherry Lip Balm
Lip · Lists fragrance, silicones
Beiersdorf
Classic Deo Creme
Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens
ChapStick
Classic Medicated Lip Balm
Lip · Lists fragrance, silicones
ChapStick
Classic Original Lip Balm
Lip · Lists fragrance, silicones
ChapStick
Classic Strawberry Lip Balm
Lip · Lists fragrance, essential oils, silicones
ChapStick
Classic Vanilla Lip Balm
Lip · Lists fragrance, silicones
COVERGIRL
Clean Invisible Concealer
Concealer · None of Poliage’s flag groups listed
Not Your Mother’s
Clean Slate Daily Conditioner
Conditioner · Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, essential oils
Pixi
Cleanser
Cleanser · Lists fragrance allergens, essential oils, coconut derivatives