Products with Cetyl Alcohol

Cetyl Alcohol is a fatty alcohol used to thicken and stabilize formulas. It adds a smooth, creamy texture and a soft, conditioned feel to the skin, and helps keep creams and lotions evenly blended.

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Why Rich Creams Rely on Cetyl Alcohol

Despite the name, cetyl alcohol has nothing in common with the drying kind. It is a waxy fatty alcohol that thickens an emulsion and keeps its oil and water halves from separating, and it conditions the surface of the skin on its own — which is why cream textures that feel substantial rather than greasy so often list it near the top.

The richest formulas we carry are the ones that use it. Revision Skincare Nectifirm Advanced and DEJ Night Cream both do, as does Retinol Complete 0.5, where a cushiony base helps buffer the retinol. Obagi's Hydrate Luxe and Hydrate use it too, and Gentle Cleansing Lotion shows what it does in a milky cleanser.

Is cetyl alcohol bad for sensitive skin?

For most people it is well tolerated — dermatology guidance groups fatty alcohols separately from drying solvent alcohols. A small number of people do react to them, so patch-test if rich creams have given you trouble before.

How to shop at ELLEMES

Our shelves carry only brands we are authorized to sell, and the team can tell you which of these creams our own clients come back for.

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Featured Products with Cetyl Alcohol Reviews

Obagi Hydrate, 1.7 fl. oz.
Obagi Hydrate, 1.7 fl. oz.
5.0 (23 reviews) 5.0 out of 5 stars based on 23 reviews
$70.00
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Featured review

“I have very sensitive, rosacea-prone skin. The Obagi Hydrate moisturizer is the best moisturizer I have ever used! It actually settles down my redness reactions & soothes my skin during a flare up. I have struggled...”

— Jessica W.
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SkinCeuticals Daily Moisture
SkinCeuticals Daily Moisture
4.6 (134 reviews) 4.6 out of 5 stars based on 134 reviews
$85.00
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Featured review

“This moisturizer is the BEST for my skin! It's so lightweight and it smells really good too which is a nice bonus. I feel very bright and complete when I use this product everyday.”

— Jacqueline P.
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Obagi ELASTIderm Eye Cream
Obagi ELASTIderm Eye Cream
4.9 (13 reviews) 4.9 out of 5 stars based on 13 reviews
$130.00
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Featured review

“I have undereye dark circles, dryness and lines. I have tried many products and this one works! Lines and dark circles are less noticeable. Also, the area seems firmer and hydrated. It’s light weight and goes...”

— Zoie S.
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