Description
Cetearyl alcohol is a waxy, fatty alcohol, combining cetyl and stearyl alcohols. In cosmetics, it functions as an emollient, emulsifier, and thickener, giving products a soft, creamy, and moisturizing feel while also preventing ingredient separation. Despite its "alcohol" designation, it is non-drying and skin-friendly, originating from natural sources like coconut or palm oils, and differs from drying alcohols such as ethanol.