Cetyl Stearyl Alcohol
What is it?
Cetearyl alcohol (also known as cetyl stearyl alcohol or cetostearyl alcohol) is a combination of cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol. These alcohols are derived from palm or vegetable oils, including coconut oil. They are added to products to give emulsions more stability.
How can I avoid it?
Skin contact with cetearyl alcohol is required for it to cause a rash. Discontinuation of exposure to products containing cetearyl alcohol should result in improvement and/or resolution of your dermatitis. By law, all products made in the U.S. for topical use have the ingredients listed either on the product package or the box that contains it, so check the labeling of your skin care products for this ingredient. If there is not enough information, ask your pharmacist or contact the company directly. At work, request a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) to help identify potential sources of exposure.
Uses:
- Topical medications (prescription and over-the-counter)
- Anesthetics
- Antiseptics
- Creams, ointments, solutions
- Foot and other powders
- Nasal decongestants
- Herbal remedies, including traditional Chinese medications
- Sore throat remedies
- Acne treatments
- Wound dressings
- Textile oils and finishes
- Waxes
- Plastics
- Soaps and detergents
- Fragrances
- Lubricants for nuts and bolts
- Resins
- Wetting agents
- Skin care products/Cosmetics
- Antiperspirants/Deodorants
- Hair sprays, gels, tonics, and lotions
- Hair dyes
- Make-ups/Lipsticks
- Moisturizers
- Nail polish remover
- Powders/Sprays
- Shampoos/Conditioners
- Soaps/Cleansers
- Sunscreens and self-tanners
Components of cetearyl alcohol:
- Cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol – (50/50 combination)
Other names for cetearyl alcohol:
- Lanette-O
- Alcohol C-16
- Cetostearyl alcohol
Other cross-reacting/co-reacting substances:
- Cetearyl glucoside
- Cetyl alcohol
- Stearyl alcohol
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