Cetyl Alcohol
INCI Cetyl Alcohol
Overview
A plant-derived fatty alcohol that helps give creams and lotions a smooth, stable texture.
What it is
Cetyl Alcohol is a fatty alcohol, waxy and solid at room temperature, with none of the sharp, drying character of the alcohol in hand sanitizer.
Where it comes from and how it’s made
Fatty alcohols like this one are derived from plant oils, commonly from sources like coconut or palm.
What it does in a formulation
Contributes to the smooth, stable texture of a finished cream or lotion.
Why Lovebee uses it
Like the other fatty alcohols in our formulas, cetyl alcohol quietly does the work of keeping a lotion feeling smooth and cohesive rather than thin or separated.
Good to know
- Vegan and plant-derived.
- Not related to drying alcohols like ethanol — it behaves more like a soft wax.
Common questions
- Is Cetyl Alcohol drying, like the alcohol in hand sanitizer?
No. Fatty alcohols like this one are a completely different type of ingredient from drying alcohols — they’re waxy and used for texture.
- Is Cetyl Alcohol vegan?
Yes — it’s derived from plant oil sources.
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