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Cetyl

What Cetyl is & what it does

"Cetyl" appears as a partial or truncated INCI name; the cetyl group is the basis of many common cosmetic ingredients such as cetyl alcohol and cetyl esters, which act as emollients, thickeners, and emulsion stabilizers. In that family, cetyl-based materials are generally used to thicken creams and lend a smooth, conditioned skin feel. Because the exact identity is unclear, treat this entry as a fatty cetyl-derived component rather than a specific compound. No specific concerns are flagged for it here.

What is Cetyl?

"Cetyl" appears to be a shortened INCI name. The cetyl group is the basis of common cosmetic ingredients such as cetyl alcohol and cetyl esters, which are fatty materials used as emollients and thickeners.

What does a cetyl ingredient do in a formula?

Cetyl-based materials are generally used to thicken creams and lend a smooth, conditioned skin feel, and some help stabilize emulsions. The exact role depends on the specific cetyl compound used.

Is Cetyl safe?

Cetyl-derived cosmetic ingredients are generally considered mild and well tolerated, and no specific concerns are flagged for it here. Because the exact identity is unclear, check the full ingredient list on the product for the precise material.

Sunscreens with Cetyl

We rate 3 sunscreens that contain it:

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