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 23, 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
EO
Everyone Lotion Lavender + Aloe - Hand | Face| Body
Lists fragrance allergens, essential oils, silicones
Shea moisture
Evolution of smooth shea better 24H moisture body lotion
Lists fragrance, silicones
Kate Somerville
ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment
Exfoliant · Lists fragrance allergens, drying alcohol, exfoliating acid, retinoid, essential oils, salicylic acid
Kristin Ess
Extra Gentle Conditioner
Conditioner · Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, drying alcohol, coconut derivatives
Gold Bond
Extra Strength Medicated Body Lotion
Body lotion · Lists fragrance, silicones
COVERGIRL
Eye Enhancer Stretch & Strengthen Mascara
Mascara · Lists silicones
COVERGIRL
Eye Enhancer Stretch & Strengthen Waterproof Mascara
Mascara · Lists silicones
CeraVe
Eye Repair Cream
Eye cream · Lists silicones
Westman Atelier
Eye Want You Mascara
Mascara · None of Poliage’s flag groups listed
BareMinerals Poreless Clay Cleanser
Face Wash
Lists coconut derivatives
Fairytale
Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, parabens, silicones
Dr. Dennis Gross
Fill + Repair Eye Cream with Hyaluronic Acid
Eye cream · Lists exfoliating acid
Olay
Firming & Hydrating Body Lotion with Collagen
Body lotion · Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, silicones
Gold Bond
Firming Neck & Chest Age Renew Cream
Moisturizer · Lists exfoliating acid, parabens, silicones, salicylic acid
SHEGLAM
Flutter Wink Volumizing Mascara
Mascara · None of Poliage’s flag groups listed
HAIRITAGE by Mindy McKnight
Fragrance Free Conditioner
Lists drying alcohol
Dr. Squatch
Fresh Falls Lotion
Body lotion · Lists fragrance, coconut derivatives
St. Ives
Fresh Skin Apricot Face Scrub
Exfoliant · Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, coconut derivatives
John Frieda
Frizz Ease Flawlessly Straight Shampooing lisse idéal
Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, sulfates, silicones, coconut derivatives
John Frieda
Frizz Ease Miraculous Recovery Shampoo
Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, sulfates, parabens, silicones, formaldehyde releasers, coconut derivatives
100% Pure
Fruit Pigmented Lip & Cheek Tint
Lip · Lists coconut derivatives
Yves rocher
Fruits noirs crème mains
Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, silicones
Native
Full & Thick Conditioner
Conditioner · Lists fragrance
Herbal Essences
Full + Thick Passionflower Sulfate Free Conditioner
Conditioner · Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens