Regulatory Status
For full compliance data across 55 jurisdictions, use the Substance Compliance tool.
Safety Data
Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.
Sensitization Profile
Contact sensitization data for Cetearyl Alcohol based on clinical patch test studies and IFRA standards.
Source: IVDK; ESSCA; NACDG
Dermal Penetration Profile
Skin absorption and penetration characteristics of Cetearyl Alcohol, relevant to systemic exposure and MoS calculations.
Source: CIR
Expert Verdict
Well-established, safe fatty alcohol with dual emollient and co-emulsifier function. Low comedogenicity concern at finished-product concentrations. Suitable for sensitive skin. The alcohol nomenclature is misleading; cetearyl alcohol does not exhibit drying or irritating properties of short-chain alcohols. Widely used, well-tolerated ingredient.
Regulatory Flags
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cetearyl Alcohol safe in cosmetics?
Well-established, safe fatty alcohol with dual emollient and co-emulsifier function. Low comedogenicity concern at finished-product concentrations. Suitable for sensitive skin. The alcohol nomenclature is misleading; cetearyl alcohol does not exhibit drying or irritating properties of short-chain alcohols. Widely used, well-tolerated ingredient. The EU classifies Cetearyl Alcohol as "permitted". Safety rating: EXCELLENT.
Is Cetearyl Alcohol allowed in the EU?
Cetearyl Alcohol EU regulatory status: permitted. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.
What does Cetearyl Alcohol do in cosmetics?
Cetearyl Alcohol functions as: Long-chain fatty alcohol (C16–C18 blend) functioning as emollient, co-emulsifier, and viscosity builder. Stabilizes O/W emulsions and improves skin feel.. It is classified as a Emollient in our database. CAS number: 67762-27-0.
What is the Margin of Safety for Cetearyl Alcohol?
adequate The Margin of Safety (MoS) is calculated using SCCS methodology. A MoS above 100 is generally considered safe. Use the MoS Calculator tool to calculate MoS for your specific formulation and product category.
Compliance Tools
Check Cetearyl Alcohol compliance across multiple jurisdictions:
Related Ingredients
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