Cetyl Alcohol
Cetyl Alcohol is an emollient and surfactant ingredient. It’s in 1,128 products on Poliage, most often conditioner, body lotion and moisturizer. Avoid lists on Poliage that include it: none.
Updated October 26, 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
Total Effects Face Moisturizer Fragrance-Free SPF 15
Sunscreen · Lists fragrance allergens, retinoid, parabens, silicones, chemical UV filters
Aussie
Total Miracle 3 Minute Miracle Conditioner w/ Apricot
Label from Canada · Ingredients incomplete, can’t check
Aussie
TOTAL MIRACLE 7N1 CONDITIONER
Conditioner · Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, silicones
Aussie
TOTAL MIRACLE HEAT PROTECTING SPRAY
Hair styling · Lists fragrance, drying alcohol, parabens
L’Oréal
Total Repair 5 Soin démêlant instantané reconstituant Cicamide + Pro-Kératine
200 ml · Label from France · Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, drying alcohol, exfoliating acid, silicones
Trader Joe’s
Trader Joe’s Hand & Body Cream
Ingredients incomplete, can’t check
Pantene
Tratamiento reparador de keratina bambú
30 ml · Label from Colombia · Ingredients incomplete, can’t check
Cetaphil
Travel Size Gentle Skin Cleanser
Lists sulfates, parabens
Renee Rouleau
Triple Berry Smoothing Scrub
Exfoliant · Lists fragrance, exfoliating acid, essential oils, coconut derivatives
Kenra Professional
Triple Repair Conditioner
Conditioner · 10.1 fl oz · Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, drying alcohol, silicones
Hempz
Tropical Coconut Moisturizing Body Lotion
Body lotion · Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, retinoid, silicones, coconut derivatives
ChapStick
Tropical Treats Lip Balm
Lip · 3 ct · Lists fragrance, silicones
L’Oréal Paris
True Match Lumi Glotion
Lists drying alcohol, silicones, salicylic acid
Kenra Professional
Truly Thickening Conditioner
Conditioner · 8.5 fl oz · Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, essential oils, silicones
Tula
Tula bright start
10000 · Lists fragrance allergens, exfoliating acid, essential oils
Tula
Tula moisturiser +spf30
10000 · Ingredients incomplete, can’t check
Andalou Naturals
Turmeric + Vitamin C Enlighten Serum
Serum · 1.1 fl. oz · Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens
Hask
Twist Tamer Leave-In Conditioner
Conditioner · Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, coconut derivatives
L’Oréal
Ultra Doux Après-shampooing doux délicatesse d’avoine
200 ml · Label from France · Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, silicones
L’Oréal
Ultra Doux Après-shampooing Nutrition Extrême Olive Mythique
200 ml · Label from France · Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, drying alcohol, silicones
L’Oréal
Ultra Doux Shampooing au lait végétal hydratant
250 ml · Label from France · Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, exfoliating acid, sulfates, silicones, salicylic acid, coconut derivatives
L’Oréal
Ultra facial cream
125 ml · Label from Sweden · Lists parabens, silicones
Derma E
Ultra Hydrating Advanced Repair Night Cream
Moisturizer · Lists fragrance, silicones
Derma E
Ultra Hydrating Antioxidant Day Cream
Moisturizer · Lists fragrance