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
Unilever
Vaseline Cocoa Glow
600 mL · Ingredients incomplete, can’t check
Vaseline
vaseline cocoa radiant lotion
Lists fragrance, parabens, silicones, formaldehyde releasers
Vaseline
vaseline deep restore yellow btl
Label from Australia · Ingredients incomplete, can’t check
Unilever
Vaseline Intensive Care Essential Healing Bodylotion
400ml · Label from Netherlands · Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, exfoliating acid, parabens, silicones
Vaseline
Vaseline Intensive Care Moisturizing Advance Repair Body Lotion - Unscented
Lists parabens, silicones
Pacifica
Vegan Ceramide Barrier Face Cream
Moisturizer · None of Poliage’s flag groups listed
Pacifica
Vegan Collagen Overnight Recovery Cream by Pacifica Beauty
Moisturizer · Lists fragrance
Alba Botanica
Very emollient body lotion
32 oz · Ingredients incomplete, can’t check
The Body Shop
Vibrant Bergamot Body Cream
Body lotion · 200ml · Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, silicones
ChapStick
Vintage Desserts Lip Balm
Lip · Lists fragrance, silicones
Kenra Professional
Violet Conditioner
Conditioner · 10.1 fl oz · Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, drying alcohol, exfoliating acid, silicones, salicylic acid
Neutrogena
Visibly clear
1 · Label from France and Morocco · Lists fragrance, exfoliating acid, salicylic acid, coconut derivatives
Johnson & Johnson
Visibly clear correct & perfect
150 ml · Label from France · Lists fragrance, exfoliating acid, salicylic acid
Neutrogena
Visibly Clear crème nettoyante pamplemousse rose
150ml · Label from France · Lists fragrance, drying alcohol, exfoliating acid, salicylic acid, coconut derivatives
Neutrogena
Visibly Clear Désincrustant Points Noirs
150 ml · Label from France · Lists fragrance, exfoliating acid, salicylic acid
Neutrogena
Visibly Clear Shine & Pore Gel Exfoliant Matifiant
150 ml · Label from France · Lists fragrance, exfoliating acid, salicylic acid
Naturium
Vitamin Bright Illuminating Eye Cream
Eye cream · Lists silicones
Derma E
Vitamin C Brightening Eye Cream
Eye cream · Lists silicones
Pacifica
Vitamin C Face Lotion
Moisturizer · None of Poliage’s flag groups listed
Derma E
Vitamin C Intense Night Cream
Moisturizer · Ingredients incomplete, can’t check
Derma E
Vitamin C Renewing Moisturizer
Moisturizer · Lists fragrance, retinoid
Naturium
Vitamin C Super Eye Cream Plus
Eye cream · Lists retinoid, silicones
Renee Rouleau
Vitamin C&E Treatment
Serum · Lists essential oils, silicones
Derma E
Vitamin E 12000 IU Cream
Moisturizer · Lists fragrance