What is it?
Cetyl stearyl alcohol is derived from palm or coconut oil to give emulsions more stability.
How can I avoid it?
Skin contact with cetyl stearyl alcohol is required for it to cause a rash. Discontinuation of exposure to products containing cetyl
stearyl 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 no information ask your pharmacist or call the company directly. At work, request a material safety data
sheet (MSDS) to help identify potential sources of exposure
Uses:
- Pharmaceutical preparations - antifungal, acne, and steroid
- Textiles
- Waxes
- Plastics
- Soaps and detergents
- Lubricants
- Resins
- Skin Care Products / Cosmetics
- Hair sprays, gels, tonics and lotions
- Make-ups
- Moisturizers
- Powders / Sprays
- Shampoos / Conditioners
- Soaps / Cleansers
- Sunscreens and Self-Tanners
Components of cetyl stearyl alcohol:
- Cetyl (C16) and stearyl (C18) alcohols (50/50 combination)
Other names for cetyl stearyl alcohol:
- Lanette-O
- Alcohol C-16
- Cetearyl alcohol
- Cetostearyl alcohol