Cetearyl Alcohol

adultsSkin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Is this safe for adults to use Cetearyl Alcohol?

YES - Generally Safe
Danger Score: 1 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Cetearyl Alcohol is generally considered safe for adults when used in topical products. Adults generally have higher tolerance.

ℹ️General Overview

For adults (grown-ups), cetearyl alcohol is usually safe when used on skin. It helps creams feel smooth and thick and causes problems only rarely.

What to Do

You can use products that list cetearyl alcohol normally. If you’ve never used a product before, try a small patch on your inner arm and wait 24 hours to check for redness or itching. If you have very sensitive skin or a known contact allergy, choose fragrance-free and simple formulas and stop use if you notice irritation. Prefer products from trusted brands that report safety testing.

⚠️Warnings

Watch for redness, itching, rash, or other signs of skin irritation — this comes from reports of limited allergic or skin reactions (European Chemicals Agency). Some industry safety reviewers recommend limits on how much can be used, and manufacturers should control impurities (Cosmetic Ingredient Review). Also, there is a note that cetearyl alcohol may harm aquatic life, so avoid pouring large amounts down drains (Environment Canada).

Confidence: HIGH

Are you holding the product?

Scan the full ingredient label and understand if it's safe for your child.

Scan the full label for free
Get instant analysis of all ingredients together

Safety Risk Labels

This ingredient has the following documented risks:

Environmental: A government assessment flagged this ingredient as "suspected to be an environmental toxin," meaning it may harm fish or other wildlife if it enters waterways. That finding comes from Environment Canada, which also notes the ingredient is not thought to build up or persist but still raises environmental concern.

Tap or hover over labels to see detailed risk information.

Alternative Names for Cetearyl Alcohol

This ingredient may also be listed as:

cetearyl alcoholCetanolCETEARYL ALCOHOLHEXADECAN-1-OL;OCTADECAN-1-OLEC 267-008-6LANETTE OCETOSTEARYL ALCOHOL [NF]2DMT128M1S8005-44-5SCHEMBL1091511CETYL-STEARYL ALCOHOL (50/50)CETYL ALCOHOL: STEARYL ALCOHOL: CETEARYL ALCOHOLCETOSTEARYL ALCOHOL, CETYLSTEARYL ALCOHOL, CETYL/STEARYL ALCOHOL

Always check ingredient labels carefully, as ingredients may be listed under different names.

Products Containing Cetearyl Alcohol

This ingredient is found in the following products:

This list shows products that contain Cetearyl Alcohol or its alternative names.

Research Articles on Cetearyl Alcohol

Scientific research related to this ingredient:

These research articles provide scientific evidence about Cetearyl Alcohol safety and effects.

Common Questions About Cetearyl Alcohol

Is this safe for adults to use Cetearyl Alcohol?

Yes, Cetearyl Alcohol is generally considered safe for adults based on current research.

What are the environmental risks of Cetearyl Alcohol for adults?

Possible negative effects on the environment

What products contain Cetearyl Alcohol?

Cetearyl Alcohol is commonly found in skincare products, cosmetics, and topical applications. Always check ingredient labels before use.

When can adults using products with Cetearyl Alcohol?

The appropriate age depends on the specific ingredient properties and concentration. This analysis is for adults. Use the age selector above to check other ages.

📱

Want to scan another product?

Use our camera scanner to analyze more ingredient labels

Scan Another Product