Cetyl alcohol

Other names: Cetanol

Harm score: 2 (Derivatives of natural substances)

Cetyl alcohol, also known as cetanol, is a fatty alcohol used in the cosmetics industry as an emulsifier, emollient and softening agent, but is also found in many other products. It plays a key role in the care and cleaning market today. It is insoluble in water but can dissolve in ethanol, oils and esters.

Cetyl alcohol is used extensively, especially in skin and hair care products. It is known to gardeners as a component of plant pest control mixtures. It is also found in the pharmaceutical industry, where it is used as an excipient in various ointments and creams. It is also a component of many body lotions and moisturizers for its emollient and moisturizing properties. It has also gained a subtle but important role in the food industry as an anti-caking ingredient in confectionery. Its use is indeed wide and growing.