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 22, 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
Olay
Collagen Peptide MAX Moisturizing Cream
Moisturizer · Lists silicones
Olay
Collagen Peptide Moisturizing Cream
Moisturizer · Lists silicones
Herbal Essences
Color + Protect Grapeseed Conditioner
Conditioner · Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, silicones
Hair Biology
Color brilliance conditioner
Conditioner · Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, silicones
Ben Nye
Color Cake Foundation
Foundation · None of Poliage’s flag groups listed
Moroccanoil
Color Care Conditioner
Conditioner · Lists fragrance, drying alcohol, silicones
Herbal Essences
Color Me Happy Conditioner
Conditioner · Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, silicones
Kenra Professional
Color Protecting Conditioner
Conditioner · Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, drying alcohol, exfoliating acid, silicones, salicylic acid
L’Oréal
Colorista washout #bluehair
Lists drying alcohol, silicones
L’Oréal
Colorista Washout #turquoisehair
Lists drying alcohol, silicones
Colorsilk
Colorsilk Beautiful Color - 32 Acajou foncé
Lists fragrance, drying alcohol, sulfates, parabens, silicones, coconut derivatives
Pantène
Colour Protect
Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, silicones
Sachajuan
COLOUR PROTECT CONDITIONER
Conditioner · Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, exfoliating acid, silicones
Olay
Complete + Hydrating Lotion Sensitive
Body lotion · Lists silicones
Olay
Complete + Rich Moisturizing Cream Sensitive
Moisturizer · Lists silicones
PRAVANA
Condition
Conditioner · Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, retinoid, silicones
PRAVANA
Conditioner
Conditioner · Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, drying alcohol, silicones
Herbal Essences
Conditioner
Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, drying alcohol, silicones, coconut derivatives
Kristin Ess
Conditioner
Conditioner · Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, essential oils
Ogx
Conditioner Argan Oil of Morocco
Lists fragrance, drying alcohol, silicones
L’Oréal
conditionner
Lists fragrance, drying alcohol
It Cosmetics
Confidence in Your Beauty Sleep Night Cream
Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, drying alcohol, exfoliating acid, silicones, salicylic acid
Lawless
Conseal The Deal Lightweight, Long-Wear Everyday Concealer with Caffeine
Concealer · Lists coconut derivatives
COVERGIRL
Continuous Color Lipstick
Lip · Lists retinoid, parabens