Does cetearyl alcohol clog pores? Learn whether cetearyl alcohol is safe to use on oily skin or not in this short yet informative article!
Cetearyl alcohol is a type of fatty alcohol commonly used in moisturizing creams and lotions for getting thick consistency. This white waxy substance is usually extracted naturally from plants like palm oil or coconut oil. It is also possible to synthesize it in the laboratory using cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol. Unlike other alcohols such as ethanol added in skin care products, Cetearyl alcohol has a different chemical structure. It is safe to use on the skin. In addition, it does not have a drying effect like other alcohol. Also, it is used as a stabilizer in products as it keeps the oil and water from getting separated. But does Cetearyl alcohol clog pores? Let’s find out below!
Does Cetearyl Alcohol Clog Pores?
This plant-derived alcohol is not recommended for use on oily skin. It has a comedogenic rating of 2 on the scale of 0-5, with 0 being the least clogging and 5 having the highest clogging effect. While 2 is not such a bad rating for clogging pores, these types of fatty alcohols, when mixed with other fatty ingredients in the product, can make them comedogenic and cause skin irritation for people with sensitive or oily skin. Hence, try not to use any product with Cetearyl alcohol if you have oily skin.
Benefits Cetearyl Alcohol
Cetearyl alcohol is a common ingredient in many hair and skin products, including lotions, moisturizers, sunscreens, shampoos, conditioners, hair dyes, mascara, etc. There are a few reasons why Cetearyl alcohol is a component in skin and hair care products:
1. Emulsifier
The primary use of Cetearyl alcohol is as an emulsifier. It prevents the multiple ingredients added in the skincare products from separating, especially the water-based and oil-based ingredients.
2. Even Application
Since it keeps all products together and gives a nice consistency, this allows the product to spread evenly. Products with cetearyl alcohol are easy to apply and healthy for the skin.
3. Moisturizing Properties
Cetearyl alcohol is suitable for application on dry skin as it provides moisturizing properties. It helps fill in the dry cracks and reduce patchiness.
4. Thickening Agent
As stated before, cetearyl alcohol separates the ingredients from combining in any product and also works as a thickening agent. Therefore, it gives a nice and thick consistency that becomes easier for application.
How to Use
You can combine cetearyl alcohol to any non-comedogenic carrier oil and apply it to your face and neck before going to bed to moisturize your skin. Alternatively, you can look for products that have cetearyl alcohol in them. Or simply DIY homemade moisturizers or shampoos that contain cetearyl alcohol.
Mix cetearyl alcohol in lukewarm coconut oil and massage it on your head. Let it sit overnight and wash off with organic shampoo the following day. The recommended usage level of this alcohol is 0-5% per day.
Precautions
There are no such limitations on the usage of Cetearyl alcohol apart from the fact that people with oily skin should avoid it. It might cause allergic reactions, hence it is always preferable to test the product out on a small surface area before using it. Also, in products like shampoos, hair conditioners, and moisturizers, Cetearyl alcohol does not cause any harm as they are washed almost immediately.
