Depends on Source
How we decideIt depends on the feedstock. Cetyl alcohol can be made through fatty alcohol supply chains that use plant oils, animal fats or fossil raw materials, while the label lists the same name.
Cetyl alcohol is a solid C16 fatty alcohol used to thicken emulsions and condition skin or hair.
These flags describe sourcing. They are not an allergen assessment, and a vegan label is not a free-from claim. If you have an allergy, read the allergen declaration on the pack.
Ingredient Data
Depends on Source
Hexadecan-1-ol; Palmityl alcohol
Cetyl alcohol is a C16 fatty alcohol. Commercial fatty alcohol feedstocks can include plant oils, animal fats or fossil raw materials.
Creams, lotions, conditioners, cleansers and ointments.
Cetyl alcohol with a plant or synthetic feedstock statement from the supplier.
The word alcohol describes the chemical group and does not mean ethanol. The INCI name does not identify the fatty feedstock.
Ask whether the C16 fatty alcohol starts with vegetable oil, animal fat or a synthetic raw material. A useful reply names the starting material or confirms that animal fat is excluded. Palmityl alcohol is a synonym and does not prove a palm-oil source.
No. Cetyl alcohol is a waxy fatty alcohol used for texture and conditioning, while ethanol is a small volatile alcohol.