- Comedogenic
- 2 / 5
- Irritancy
- 1 / 5
- Fungal acne
- Safe
- Type
- Fatty alcohol
- INCI name
- Cetyl Alcohol
- Also listed as
- 1-hexadecanol, Palmityl 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.
Products that contain Cetyl Alcohol
- CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
- CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion
- CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
- Cetaphil Daily Hydrating Lotion
- Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream
- Re'equil Oxybenzone & OMC Free Sunscreen
- The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
Fungal-acne safe ingredients list
Frequently asked questions
Is Cetyl Alcohol comedogenic?
Mildly, so most people are fine. Cetyl Alcohol has a comedogenic rating of 2 out of 5. A moisturising fatty alcohol, not a drying one. It is generally considered safe for fungal acne.
Is Cetyl Alcohol safe for fungal acne?
Yes. Cetyl Alcohol is not a known Malassezia (fungal acne) trigger.
Does Cetyl 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 Cetyl Alcohol?
On labels it can also appear as 1-hexadecanol or Palmityl Alcohol.