Ingredient Directory
Low ConcernVegan

Cetyl Alcohol

Hexadecan-1-ol

Safety Notes

Not an irritating alcohol, fatty alcohol with skin feel and structure benefits; can be comedogenic in some individuals; derived from coconut or palm (check sourcing for RSPO)

Function & Common Use

Function

Emulsifying / Emollient / Viscosity controlling / Opacifying

Category

Fatty Alcohol

Common In

Creams, lotions, conditioners, body butters

Origin

Synthetic / Plant (coconut/palm)

Concentration Limits

India (CDSCO)

No limit

EU Cosmetics Reg.

No limit

US FDA (21 CFR)

No specific 21 CFR cosmetic limit identified in source checked

Korea (MFDS)

No specific MFDS limit identified in source checked; verify if ingredient is used in a Korean functional cosmetic category

Pregnancy: No specific restriction identified in source checked; standard cosmetic use

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cetyl Alcohol safe to use in skincare?

Cetyl Alcohol has a Low concern rating from The Clean Sheet. Not an irritating alcohol, fatty alcohol with skin feel and structure benefits; can be comedogenic in some individuals; derived from coconut or palm (check sourcing for RSPO)

Is Cetyl Alcohol allowed in India?

Cetyl Alcohol is currently classified as "Permitted" under Indian cosmetics regulations. No concentration limit is specified for India.

What is Cetyl Alcohol used for in cosmetics?

Cetyl Alcohol functions as: Emulsifying / Emollient / Viscosity controlling / Opacifying. It is commonly found in: Creams, lotions, conditioners, body butters.

TCS Assessment
Low Concern
Data Confidence
High
Based on peer-reviewed safety data, regulatory status, and expert review by The Clean Sheet panel.

Regulatory Status

India (CDSCO)
Permitted
EU
Permitted
US FDA
Permitted
Korea (MFDS)
Permitted
Australia (TGA)
Cosmetic ingredient; standard TGA cosmetic framework applies; no therapeutic goods listing required unless therapeutic claims are made
Canada (NHPID)
Not specifically listed as restricted cosmetic ingredient in NHPID source checked; standard Health Canada cosmetic notification applies

Identifiers

CAS36653-82-4
EC253-149-0

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