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
Innersense
Inner Peace Whipped Creme Texturizer
Hair styling · Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens
Head & Shoulders
Instant Oil Control
Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, sulfates, silicones, coconut derivatives
Revision Skincare
Intellishade Matte
Sunscreen · Lists silicones, chemical UV filters
Moroccanoil
Intense Curl Cream
Hair styling · Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, silicones
johnson-johnson
Intense Repair
Lists fragrance
Dr. Dennis Gross
Intense Wrinkle Cream
Moisturizer · Lists fragrance allergens, exfoliating acid, retinoid, silicones
Vaseline
Intensive Care Nourishing Moisture
Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, parabens, silicones
AmLactin
Intensive Healing Cream with 15% Lactic Acid AHA
Exfoliant · Lists silicones, coconut derivatives
Cetaphil
Intensive Healing Lotion
Body lotion · Lists silicones, coconut derivatives
Dermalogica
Intensive Moisture Balance
Moisturizer · Lists exfoliating acid, silicones
Sachajuan
INTENSIVE REPAIR CONDITIONER
Conditioner · Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, drying alcohol, silicones, coconut derivatives
Jack Black
Jack Black Pure Clean Daily Facial Cleanser
Lists fragrance allergens, essential oils, silicones, coconut derivatives
Soapbox
Jasmine & Sweet Almond Daily Moisture Conditioner
Conditioner · Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, drying alcohol, silicones
Wet n Wild
Jelly Drip Lip Glaze
Lip · Lists fragrance, drying alcohol, silicones
Jergens
Jergens Oil-Infused Hydrating Coconut
Lists fragrance, parabens, silicones
Joelle Monet -Ageless Moisturizer
None of Poliage’s flag groups listed
johnson and Johnson baby lotion
Lists fragrance, silicones
Johnson’s Baby Lotion
Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, parabens, silicones
Herbal Essences
Jojoba Oil & Lavender Curls Conditioner
Conditioner · Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, silicones
Joy Works Facial Cleanser
Lists fragrance allergens, sulfates
SHEGLAM
Keep It Up Curl Protect & Hold 2-In-1 Styling Treatment
Hair styling · Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, silicones
Kenra platinum
Lists fragrance, silicones
CHI
Keratin K-Trix 5 Smoothing Treatment
Hair styling · Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, exfoliating acid, essential oils, silicones
Henkel
Kératine Color 4.6 Châtain Chocolat
Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, parabens, salicylic acid