What is it?
Cetyl alcohol is an emulsifier and emollient (moisturizer or softener) used in cosmetics and pharmaceutical preparations, and is usually derived from vegetable oils, palm oil, or coconut oil.

How can I avoid it?
Skin contact with Cetyl alcohol is required for it to cause a rash. Discontinuation of exposure to products containing Cetyl alcohol should result in improvement and/or resolution of your dermatitis. By law, all products made in the US 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 retailer, or contact the company directly. At work, request a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) to help identify potential sources of exposure.

Uses:
• Skin Care Products/Cosmetics
° Antiperspirants/Deodorants
° Gels, tonics and lotions
° “Permanents-Relaxers”
° Hair dyes
° Soaps/Cleansers
° Shampoos/Conditioners
° Moisturizers
° Make-ups/lipsticks
° Nail Polish Remover
° Sprays
° Sunscreens
• Defoamers
• Detergent/Surfactant
• Fragrances
• 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 treatment
° Acne treatment
° Wound dressings
• Solubilizers
• Wetting agents
• Lubricants for nuts and bolts

Other names for cetyl alcohol:
• Alcohol Cetylicus
• Adol
• Atalco C
• Cetanol
• 1-Hexadecanol
• N-Hexadecyl alcohol
• Palmityl alcohol
• Ethal
• Ethol
• Hexadecan-1-ol

Potential cross-reacting/co-reacting substances:
• Stearyl alcohol
• Cetostearyl alcohol


MCS7562-101rev0522

How safe is it?

Hang tight. We're thinking.