A branched C16 fatty alcohol used as an emollient and viscosity-controlling ingredient.
What it is
Isocetyl alcohol is isohexadecanol, a branched-chain fatty alcohol with 16 carbon atoms. CosIng lists it as an emollient, skin-conditioning and viscosity-controlling ingredient.
Where it is used
Appears on the ingredient lists of a small number of skin care and makeup products.
Limits of interpretation
The INCI list shows which ingredients are present, not how much of each. Above 1%, ingredients are listed in descending order of weight; below 1% the order is free.
The INCI name covers branched isomers; it does not show the exact branching pattern of the raw material.
Functions
- Skin conditioning – emollient
- Acting as lubricants on the skin surface providing the skin with a soft and smooth appearance.
- Skin conditioning
- Maintaining the skin in good condition.
- Viscosity controlling
- Increasing or decreasing the viscosity (thickness) of cosmetics.
EU regulation
This ingredient is not listed in the annexes of Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 in the CosIng data.