Cetearyl Alcohol: What you need to know about this popular ingredient

If you actively avoid cosmetics that contain alcohol because it can make your skin dry and sensitive, a person may feel confused when they see the label "alcohol-free" but then see the ingredient "cetearyl". alcohol”. Accordingly, what is cetearyl alcohol in cosmetics, what does it do and whether cetearyl alcohol is harmful is not something that everyone understands.

Cetearyl alcohol in cosmetics is a waxy substance that comes naturally from plants, such as palm oil or coconut oil, but can also be synthesized in a laboratory.
Theoretically, cetearyl alcohol can be used in any cosmetic applied to the skin or hair and is commonly found in lotions, moisturizers, moisturizers, and shampoos. When used in cosmetic products, cetearyl alcohol acts as an emulsifier and stabilizer, preventing the ingredients in the product from separating, especially after being left unused for a long time. use.

According to cosmetic experts, Cetearyl alcohol is not only a functional ingredient in a product, but an ingredient that is used to bring about actual effects on the skin. Accordingly, the roles of cetearyl alcohol in cosmetics are as follows:
Preventing separation of ingredients in products: Cetearyl alcohol in cosmetics is used as an emulsifier to stabilize them. When the user applies cosmetics to the skin or hair, they do not separate and will have a good aesthetic effect. Supports uniform application of cosmetics: By keeping ingredients from separating. The sunscreen example could further explain this point, if assuming the zinc oxide in the sunscreen were to separate from any inactive ingredients in the absence of Cetearyl alcohol, the user would You may not be able to get the protection you expect from the sunscreen, because the product doesn't mix evenly and can't be spread evenly over the skin. As a thickening base in cosmetic formulations: Cetearyl alcohol is also used as a thickening agent in products to enhance texture and texture. Skin emollient: Although this is not the primary role of cetearyl alcohol in cosmetics, this ingredient is fatty in nature and oil-based, which imparts emollient and smoothing properties to the skin.

Because this ingredient is found in so many different products, there are no specific instructions for use specifically for cetearyl alcohol. At the same time, according to dermatologists, cetearyl alcohol is not an ingredient with a limit on frequency of use. Accordingly, users can apply cetearyl alcohol naturally and normally to the skin as a cosmetic containing this ingredient.

Once you have answered the question, what is cetearyl alcohol, surely you already know that using cetearyl alcohol is harmful? Although by definition an alcohol, cetearyl alcohol unlike traditional alcohols is known for its side effects of drying and skin sensitization. The explanation for this difference is that in chemistry, compounds are named after their chemical structure and the elements that make them up, the combination of oxygen and hydrogen will make anything an alcohol. . However, it is the other components of the compound that determine how they work. Accordingly, cetearyl alcohol, an alcohol base attached to a long fat chain, with a long fat chain will rebalance the properties of the alcohol base, not only reducing skin sensitivity but also helping to make skin softer.
In a small number of people with allergic contact dermatitis, the risk of an allergic reaction is very small for cetearyl alcohol. In other words, this ingredient is considered safe for use in cosmetic products and is considered a non-irritating ingredient.
However, according to the recommendations of dermatologists, caution before coming into contact with any product is always essential, especially on subjects with sensitive or allergy-prone skin. skin reaction.

In summary, cetearyl alcohol in cosmetics is often used as an important ingredient not only to help stabilize the structure of the product, but also to help soften the skin and hair. Furthermore, thanks to its long fatty chain in its molecular structure, cetyl alcohol has emollient properties, making it an effective ingredient for soothing and healing dry skin. As such, unless you have extremely sensitive skin, cetearyl alcohol in cosmetics is considered a safe and non-toxic ingredient when used on skin and hair in most cases.
Best to be safe for skin, hair, before using any product you should learn and read carefully the ingredients. If necessary, you can consult a doctor, specializing in dermatology.

Reference source: byrdie.com - healthline.com