Cetearyl Alcohol

What it is
Cetearyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol used in skincare to help soften the skin and give creams a smooth, rich texture. Despite the word “alcohol” in its name, it is very different from the drying alcohols people often try to avoid in skincare.

Why we use it
We use cetearyl alcohol to help create a soft, creamy texture while also conditioning the skin. It helps moisturizing formulas feel smooth, stable, and easy to spread.

Why it’s considered safe

• Widely used in cosmetic creams and lotions
• Reviewed for cosmetic safety by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel
• Used as an emollient and formula-supporting ingredient in properly formulated skincare

Good to know
Cetearyl alcohol is not the same as denatured alcohol or other lightweight alcohols that can feel drying on the skin. It is a waxy fatty alcohol that helps soften skin and improve the texture and stability of a moisturizer.

The Lotus Standard
We choose ingredients for both what they do for skin and how they shape the experience of a formula. Cetearyl alcohol helps us create skincare that feels soft, comforting, and beautifully smooth.