- Comedogenic
- 2 / 5
- Irritancy
- 1 / 5
- Fungal acne
- Safe
- Type
- Fatty alcohol
- INCI name
- Cetearyl Alcohol
- Also listed as
- Cetostearyl Alcohol
Who should avoid it?
Suitable for most skin types. If you are very acne-prone, check where it sits in the ingredient list: the lower, the better.
Watch this combination
Cetearyl alcohol + ceteareth-20 (the classic "emulsifying wax") is more pore-clogging together than either ingredient alone. See Ceteareth-20.
Products that contain Cetearyl Alcohol
- CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
- CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion
- CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion
- CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
- Aqualogica Glow+ Dewy Gel SPF 50+ PA++++ In-Vivo Tested Sunscreen
- CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
- CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 Face Lotion
- CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum
- CeraVe Skin Renewing Retinol Serum
- Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
- COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All in One Cream
- The Derma Co 1% Hyaluronic Sunscreen Aqua Gel
Fungal-acne safe ingredients list
Frequently asked questions
Is Cetearyl Alcohol comedogenic?
Mildly, so most people are fine. Cetearyl Alcohol has a comedogenic rating of 2 out of 5. A non-drying "good" alcohol that thickens creams. It is fine for most people, but watch the combination with ceteareth-20.
Is Cetearyl Alcohol safe for fungal acne?
Yes. Cetearyl Alcohol is not a known Malassezia (fungal acne) trigger.
Does Cetearyl Alcohol cause acne?
It is unlikely to. Breakouts usually come from other ingredients in the formula, or from non-cosmetic causes.
What are other names for Cetearyl Alcohol?
On labels it can also appear as Cetostearyl Alcohol.