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
Honest Beauty
Calm On Foaming Cream Cleanser
Lists coconut derivatives
Candy Cane Chapstick
Lists fragrance, silicones
Tree Hut
Candy Cane Hydraglow Body Lotion
Body lotion · Lists fragrance, drying alcohol, silicones
Hempz
Caramel Créme Brûlée Moisturizing Body Lotion
Body lotion · Lists fragrance, silicones
Nivea
Care Intensive Pflege
Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, silicones
Nivea
Care Nourishing Cream
Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, silicones
R+Co
CASSETTE Curl Defining Conditioner + Superseed Oil Complex
Conditioner · Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, drying alcohol, exfoliating acid, silicones, chemical UV filters, salicylic acid
R+Co
CASSETTE Curl Defining Masque
Hair styling · Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, coconut derivatives
Swiss Toniq Geneva
Cellular Night Repair Miracle Without Essential Oil
Lists exfoliating acid
cerave
Lists exfoliating acid, parabens, silicones, salicylic acid
CeraVe
CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion
Lists parabens, silicones
CeraVe
CeraVe Eye Repair Cream
Lists silicones
CeraVe
CeraVe Hydraterende Melk
Lists silicones
Cerave
CeraVe Hydraterende Reinigingscrème
None of Poliage’s flag groups listed
CeraVe Itch Relief Moisturizing Lotion
Lists drying alcohol, silicones
Cerave
Cerave Moisturising Cream
Lists silicones
CeraVe
CeraVe SA Cream for Rough & Bumpy Skin
Lists exfoliating acid, parabens, silicones, salicylic acid
Inika Organic
Certified Organic BB Cream
Foundation · Lists essential oils
Galderma
Cetaphil
Lists fragrance allergens, silicones
Cetaphil
Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser
Lists sulfates, parabens
Nestlé Skin Health
Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream
Lists fragrance allergens, silicones
Cetaphil
Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream
Lists fragrance allergens, silicones
Cetaphil Pro Dry Skin
Lists silicones
Cetaphil
Cetaphil Pro Oil Absorbing Moisturizer SPF 30
Lists silicones, chemical UV filters