Cetearyl alcohol is a waxy ingredient made from plant oils or petroleum. Despite the name, it's not drying like regular alcohol. It works as an emollient, so it softens skin and helps products feel smooth. It's also an emulsifier, which means it helps oil and water mix together in creams and lotions. You'll find it in most moisturizers and cleansers because it stabilizes formulas, controls thickness, and can even boost foam in cleansing products. It's been used in skincare for decades and is generally well tolerated. Some people with very sensitive skin might react to it, but that's uncommon.
Ingredient
Cetearyl Alcohol
Listed functions (EU CosIng): emollient, emulsifying, emulsion stabilising, foam boosting, opacifying, surfactant, viscosity controlling
Products with Cetearyl Alcohol
10 active products. Cards link to a dupe page where one exists.
CeraVe
Hydrating Facial Cleanser
Cleanser · 354.9 ml
CeraVe
Daily Moisturizing Lotion
Moisturizer · 354.9 ml
CeraVe
PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion
Moisturizer · 59.2 ml
CeraVe
Eye Repair Cream
Eye cream · 14.8 ml
CeraVe
Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 Face Lotion
Sunscreen · 70.9 g
CeraVe
Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum
Serum · 29.6 ml
e.l.f.
Holy Hydration! Face Cream
Moisturizer · 50 g · $13.00
Prices checked today
Eucerin
Advanced Repair Cream
Moisturizer · 453.6 g
The Inkey List
Starter Retinol Serum
Serum · 30 ml · $15.00
Prices checked today
First Aid Beauty
Ultra Repair Cream Intense Hydration
Moisturizer · 170.1 g · $42.00
Prices checked today
This is general information about ingredients and prices, not medical advice. Patch test new products and talk to a dermatologist about skin conditions.