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Cetearyl alcohol is fatty alcohol (not to be confused with rubbing alcohol) commonly used in skincare and beauty products. It’s a white, waxy mixture of cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol, which are both fatty alcohols. These combinations can be either synthetic or naturally sourced from palm or coconut oil. Unlike rubbing alcohol, fatty alcohols are moisturizing to the skin.
Lotions, creams, and other topical ointments include cetearyl alcohol to create a smoother texture, thicken lotions, and stabilize foams.
Cetearyl alcohol is an ingredient best used in creams, lotions, and ointments. It improves the texture of these products, making them smoother and easier to absorb into the skin. It also keeps other ingredients from separating out into oil and water-based ingredients. It also can act as a moisture barrier for moisturizers and day and night creams.
Unless you have a specific allergy to cetearyl alcohol, there aren’t any real drawbacks as far as side effects or irritation to the skin. It does not have the same chemical structure as rubbing alcohols that irritate and dry the skin.
Wrinkles are creases and folds that form in our skin, usually most prominent in our face, neck and hands. Wrinkles are caused by the natural process of aging on our skin, though there are a few circumstances that increase the appearance and depth of wrinkles. Exposure to sun, pollution, and cigarette smoke increase the rate of wrinkling. Genetics also plays a role in the skin’s elasticity, plumpness, and the age at which wrinkles begin appearing.
To prevent wrinkles, it’s best to moisturize daily and wear sunscreen. Additionally, antioxidants protect the skin from free radicals that damage cells and speed up aging. Ingredients and nutrients like rosehip oil, alpha-lipoic acid, herbal extracts, retinol, coenzyme Q10, alpha-hydroxy acids, etc are all beneficial for preventing and reducing wrinkles.
cetearyl alcohol may be effective for wrinkles, but there are many other factors that may affect whether this ingredient would work on your skin or if there are better ingredients that may work for you. Take this skin quiz to find the best ingredients for your skin and build your skincare routine.
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