INCI Name
Cetearyl Alcohol
Functions
4 Roles
Sustainability
7/10
Category
emollients
What It Does
A fatty alcohol blend that acts as an emollient and co-emulsifier, providing texture enhancement and skin conditioning properties. Commonly used to thicken formulations and stabilize emulsions in creams and lotions.
Softens and smooths skin texture
Creates protective moisture barrier
Improves product feel and glide
Reduces transepidermal water loss
Technical Properties
HLB Value
15.5
Hydrophilic-Lipophilic Balance
Ionic Charge
nonionic
Molecular charge type
Viscosity Effect
thickening
Impact on formula thickness
Foaming Ability
none
Lather generation
Ingredient Compatibility
Works Well With
nonionic surfactantsemollientshumectantsmost activespreservatives
Avoid Combining
strong acidsstrong basesincompatible with some anionic surfactants at high concentrations
Compatibility analysis powered by OpenMix — open-source formulation science
Sustainability Profile
Sustainability Score
7/10
Biodegradability
readily biodegradable
Source
plant-derived
Feedstock
coconut oil, palm oil
Related Ingredients
Similar emollients to explore
Quick Reference
- Full INCI Name
- Cetearyl Alcohol
- Common Name
- Cetostearyl Alcohol
- CAS Number
- 67762-27-0
- Category
- emollients