Cetearyl Alcohol

Don't let the word "alcohol" put you off — Cetearyl Alcohol is nothing like the drying kind. It's a gentle, waxy fatty alcohol, and one of the most useful things you can keep in your emulsion kit.

INCI: Cetearyl Alcohol

What it does: a co-emulsifier and thickener that gives creams and lotions lovely body, a rich, cushiony glide and a stable texture. Softening rather than drying.

What to make with it: creams, lotions, conditioners and butters — anywhere you'd like a thicker, more luxurious feel.

Good to know:

• Typical usage: around 2–5% in emulsions
• Comes as white waxy pastilles — melt into your oil phase
• Works alongside a main emulsifier beautifully