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
Head & Shoulders
Men ultra anti-chute
Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, sulfates, silicones, coconut derivatives
Gold Bond
Men’s Essentials Everyday Moisture Daily Body & Hand Cream/Lotion
Body lotion · Lists fragrance, parabens, silicones, formaldehyde releasers
Dr. Squatch
Men’s Natural Moisturizing Lotion
Lists fragrance
Dove
Men+Care Calming Hand + Body Lotion
Body lotion · Lists fragrance, silicones
Dove
Men+Care Hydrate+ Face Lotion
Moisturizer · Lists fragrance, silicones, chemical UV filters
Dove
Men+Care Medium Hold Molding Paste
Hair styling · Lists fragrance, formaldehyde releasers
Dove
Men+Care Refreshing Hand + Body Lotion
Body lotion · Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, silicones
Dove
Men+Care Replenishing Hand + Body Lotion
Body lotion · Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, silicones
mermaid majesty
Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, drying alcohol, essential oils, silicones
Olay
Micro-Sculpting Cream Moisturizer Trial Size
Moisturizer · Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, parabens, silicones
Beekman 1802
Milk RX Advanced Better Aging Cream
Moisturizer · Lists essential oils, coconut derivatives
Thayers
Milky Moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid
Moisturizer · Lists drying alcohol, silicones
Sun Bum
Mineral SPF 30 Sunscreen Lotion
Sunscreen · Lists coconut derivatives
Sun Bum
Mineral SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion
Sunscreen · Lists coconut derivatives
CeraVe
Mineral Sunscreen Stick
Sunscreen · Lists silicones
Native
Mini Moisturizing Conditioner
Conditioner · Lists fragrance
Native
Mini Volumizing Conditioner
Conditioner · Lists fragrance
ChapStick
Minions Banana-nana Lip Balm
Lip · Lists fragrance, silicones
ChapStick
Mint Favorites Lip Balm
Lip · Lists fragrance, silicones
Aussie
MIRACLE COILS HYDRATING CONDITIONER
Conditioner · Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, silicones
Aussie
MIRACLE COILS LEAVE-IN MOISTURIZER
Conditioner · Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, parabens, silicones
Aussie
MIRACLE CURLS CONDITIONER
Conditioner · Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, silicones, coconut derivatives
Aussie
MIRACLE CURLS LEAVE-IN DETANGLING MILK
Conditioner · Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, parabens, silicones, coconut derivatives
Aussie
Miracle Curls with Coconut and Jojoba Oil and Paraben Free Conditioner
Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, silicones