What is it?
Cetearyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol that is a blend of cetyl and stearyl alcohols, which are naturally occurring fatty acids. Unlike traditional alcohols, which can be drying or irritating to the skin, cetearyl alcohol is an emollient that provides softening and smoothing benefits. It is widely used in skincare formulations for its ability to stabilize products and improve their texture. Cetyl alcohol is non-toxic and biodegradable and is considered gentle on the skin, even for people with sensitive skin.
Where does it come from?
Cetearyl / cetyl alcohol is typically derived from natural sources such as coconut and palm oils. These oils are often sourced from sustainably grown and organic palm plantations. Cetearyl alcohol is biodegradable and certified by organizations like Ecocert, making it a sustainable choice in cosmetics.