Cetyl Alcohol

Cetyl Alcohol is another gentle, waxy fatty alcohol — the little secret behind that silky, velvety slip in a really good cream.

INCI: Cetyl Alcohol

What it does: an emollient thickener and co-emulsifier that firms up and stabilises lotions and creams, giving a light, silky glide (a touch lighter than cetearyl).

What to make with it: creams, lotions, conditioners and balms.

Good to know:

• Typical usage: around 2–4%
• White waxy pastilles — melt into the oil phase
• Softening, never drying