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 22, 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
Body love medium to dark
Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, silicones
Moroccanoil
Body Soufflé
Body lotion · Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens
Garnier
Body superfood
Lists exfoliating acid
body wash
Lists fragrance, sulfates, salicylic acid, coconut derivatives
Not Your Mother’s
Bond Building Conditioner
Conditioner · Lists fragrance
Kristin Ess
Bond Fortifying Serum
Hair styling · Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens
Boots
boots hand cream
Lists silicones
Nivea
Botanical Blossom
Body wash · Lists sulfates, salicylic acid, coconut derivatives
Nivea
Botanical Blossom Body Wash
Body wash · Lists fragrance, sulfates, salicylic acid, coconut derivatives
Laneige
Bouncy & Firm Lip Treatment
Lip · Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens
Drunk Elephant
Bouncy Brightfacial Brightening Mask with 10% Azelaic Acid + 1% Salicylic Acid
Mask · Lists exfoliating acid, salicylic acid
Bio Renew
Bourbon Manuka Honey Shampoo
Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, sulfates, coconut derivatives
Thrive Causemetics
Bright Balance 2-in-1 Instant Exfoliator
Exfoliant · Lists exfoliating acid, salicylic acid, coconut derivatives
Tula
Bright Start
Moisturizer · Lists fragrance allergens, exfoliating acid, essential oils
Caudalie
Brightening Glycolic Peel Mask
Exfoliant · Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, exfoliating acid, essential oils, coconut derivatives
Acure
Brightening Night Cream with Chlorella & Argan Oil
Moisturizer · Lists essential oils
Glo Skin Beauty
Brightening Polish
Exfoliant · Lists drying alcohol, exfoliating acid, essential oils, silicones
Andalou Naturals
Brightening Probiotic + Vitamin C Renewal Cream
Moisturizer · Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, essential oils
Kopari
Brightening Silk Body Cream
Body lotion · Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, exfoliating acid, essential oils, silicones, coconut derivatives
Fekkai
Brilliant Gloss Conditioner
Conditioner · Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, drying alcohol, exfoliating acid
burt’s bees baby nourishing lotion original
Lists fragrance, exfoliating acid, coconut derivatives
The INKEY List
Caffeine Eye Cream
Eye cream · None of Poliage’s flag groups listed
ChapStick
Cake Batter Lip Balm
Lip · Lists fragrance, silicones
AmLactin
Calm & Renew Lotion
Body lotion · Lists exfoliating acid, coconut derivatives