Cetearyl Alcohol
What: Cetearyl Alcohol is a mixture of fatty alcohols consisting predominantly of cetyl and stearyl alcohols found in plants, like Coconut and Palm oils (Wiki).
Cetearyl Alcohol is used in cosmetics as a stabilizer to thicken an emulsion and keep it from separating, and as a foaming agent. Cetearyl Alcohol also contains emollient properties which leave skin soft and smooth.
Origin: Cetearyl Alcohol is made by combining fatty alcohols from such vegetable sources as coconut fatty alcohol.
Products Found In: facial creams and lotions, body creams and lotions, hair conditioners, ointments, body butters, salt scrubs.
Alternate Names: Cetostearyl alcohol, cetylstearyl alcohol.
Toxicity: Cetearyl Alcohol is generally classified as being of no to low hazard or toxicity (EWG).