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
Renee Rouleau
Hydraboost Rescue Creme
Moisturizer · Lists essential oils, silicones
Herbal Essences
Hydrate + Restore Honey Sulfate-Free Conditioner
Conditioner · Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, silicones
Not Your Mother’s
Hydrate Conditioner
Conditioner · Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, drying alcohol
St. Ives
Hydrating
Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens
Brickell Men’s Products
Hydrating Body Lotion - FINAL SALE
Body lotion · Lists fragrance, coconut derivatives
Brickell Men’s Products
Hydrating Body Lotion (100% off)
Body lotion · Lists fragrance, coconut derivatives
Jergens
Hydrating Coconut Lotion
Body lotion · Lists fragrance, parabens, silicones, coconut derivatives
Herbal Essences
Hydrating Coconut Water & Jasmine Conditioner
Conditioner · Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, silicones, coconut derivatives
Alpyn Beauty
Hydrating Cold Cream Cleanser
Cleanser · Lists exfoliating acid, essential oils, salicylic acid
sukin
Hydrating Conditioner
Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, drying alcohol
Derma E
Hydrating Eye Cream
Eye cream · Lists silicones
CeraVe
Hydrating Facial Cleanser
Cleanser · None of Poliage’s flag groups listed
Mad Hippie
Hydrating Facial SPF
Sunscreen · Lists essential oils, coconut derivatives
Thayers
Hydrating Milky Cleanser & Makeup Remover
Cleanser · None of Poliage’s flag groups listed
Kopari
Hydrating Silk Body Cream
Body lotion · Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, essential oils, silicones, coconut derivatives
Swiss Toniq Geneva
Hydration Pro Serum (24hour Hydration) With Essential Oil
Lists exfoliating acid, essential oils
Swiss Toniq Geneva
Hydration Pro Serum (24hour Hydration) Without Essential Oil
Lists exfoliating acid, essential oils
Neutrogena
Hydro Boost
Lists fragrance, silicones
Laneige
Hydro UV Defense Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50+
Sunscreen · Lists fragrance, silicones, chemical UV filters
ChapStick
I Love Summer Lip Balm
Lip · Lists fragrance, silicones
Vichy
Idéalia Eyes
Lists drying alcohol, silicones, salicylic acid
Maybelline
Illegal Length Fiber Extensions Washable Mascara
Mascara · Lists silicones
Tatcha
Indigo Overnight Repair
Serum · Lists silicones
Rituals
Infinity Organic Mandarin & Mint lotion ultra soignante pour les mains
Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, silicones