- Comedogenic
- 4 / 5
- Irritancy
- 0 / 5
- Fungal acne
- Trigger
- Type
- Synthetic ester
- INCI name
- Cetyl Acetate
- Also listed as
- 1-hexadecanol Acetate
Who should avoid it?
Avoid in leave-on face products if you have oily, combination or acne-prone skin. It is usually fine on the body, in rinse-off products, or on very dry skin that does not break out.
Non-comedogenic swaps
| Swap to | Rating | Fungal acne |
|---|---|---|
| Cetyl Alcohol | 2/5 | Safe |
Fungal-acne safe ingredients list
Frequently asked questions
Is Cetyl Acetate comedogenic?
Yes, it is pore-clogging. Cetyl Acetate has a comedogenic rating of 4 out of 5. An emollient ester. Do not confuse it with cetyl alcohol, which rates much lower.
Is Cetyl Acetate safe for fungal acne?
No. Cetyl Acetate can feed Malassezia yeast, so people with fungal acne usually avoid it.
Does Cetyl Acetate cause acne?
It can. Ingredients rated 3–5 are frequently linked to clogged pores and breakouts in acne-prone people, especially in leave-on products.
What are other names for Cetyl Acetate?
On labels it can also appear as 1-hexadecanol Acetate.