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
Aveeno
Aveeno clear completion cream cleanser
Lists fragrance, exfoliating acid, salicylic acid
Aveeno
Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Cream
None of Poliage’s flag groups listed
Aveeno
Aveeno Dermexa Daily Emollient Cream
Lists silicones
aveeno lotion
Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, silicones
Aveeno skin relief hand cream
Lists fragrance allergens, silicones
Aveeno Skin relief moisturizing lotion
Lists fragrance allergens, silicones
Unilever
AXE Pâte Coiffante Texturisante Pot 130ml
Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens
b&bw champange toast body cream
Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, silicones, formaldehyde releasers
Aveeno
Baby Calming Comfort Lotion
Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, silicones
Johnson & Johnson
Baby Daily Lotion
Lists fragrance allergens, silicones
Cetaphil
Baby Eczema Soothing Lotion
Lists silicones
Aveeno
Baby Eczema Therapy Nighttime Balm
Lists fragrance allergens, sulfates, silicones
Shea Moisture
Baby Lotion
Lists fragrance
CeraVe
Baby Moisturizing Cream
Moisturizer · Lists silicones
CeraVe
Baby Moisturizing Lotion
Body lotion · Lists silicones
Nivea
Baby sun Crème solaire très haute protection FPS 50+
Lists silicones, chemical UV filters
Nivea
Baby sun protection cream
Lists drying alcohol, silicones, chemical UV filters
Babo Botanicals
Baby Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 for Sensitive Skin, Fragrance-Free
Sunscreen · Lists coconut derivatives
Haruharu Wonder
Bakuchiol Eye Cream / Unscented
Eye cream · None of Poliage’s flag groups listed
Olay
Balancing Cream Cleanser with Collagen Peptide
Cleanser · Lists exfoliating acid, sulfates, salicylic acid
Ole Henriksen
Banana Bright Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30
Sunscreen · Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, exfoliating acid
The Body Shop
Banana Truly Nourishing Hair Mask
Hair styling · Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens
Le Labo
Basil BODY CREAM
Body lotion · Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, silicones, coconut derivatives
bath and body works
Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, parabens, silicones, formaldehyde releasers