Cetearyl Alcohol

Cetearyl alcohol

Also searched asCetostearyl AlcoholCetylstearyl Alcohol

Role: Gives the formula body and helps stabilize the emulsion.
Catalog formulas: 14
Type: Texture
Verified: 06.11.2026

What does this ingredient do in an antiperspirant?

A mixture of the fatty alcohols cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol. Its INCI functions are emulsion stabilizing, emulsifying, emollient, viscosity controlling and opacifying.

Part of a system, not a label in isolation

In cream deodorants and roll-ons it helps hold consistency and uniformity; in sticks it can contribute to structure. It is not an antiperspirant active.

Regulatory and scientific context

The CIR found Cetearyl Alcohol safe in the present practices of use and concentration (1988 report, conclusion later reaffirmed).

What sensitive skin should consider

It is generally used as a mild structuring ingredient; an individual reaction to the finished product is possible.

Do not confuse with

This is a fatty alcohol, not Alcohol Denat.: it does not evaporate and does not make the formula alcohol-based.

Products containing Cetearyl Alcohol

Links are based on the complete published INCI list for the exact product version.

ProductFormatRole in the formulaFull analysis

Vichy Sensitive Skin 48h 50 mlroll-onthickener and structuring agentOpen

SVR Spirial Roll-On 48h 50 mlroll-onthickener and structuring agentOpen

Excelsior Excelen Dry Roll-on 50 mlroll-onthickener and structuring agentOpen

Dermedic Antipersp R roll-on 60 mlroll-onthickener and structuring agentOpen

Deo Activ Gentle Care 50 mlroll-onthickener and structuring agentOpen

NIVEA Powder Effect Fresh antiperspirant stick 50 mlstickthickener and structuring agentOpen

Garnier Mineral Hyaluronic Care 72h roll-on 50 mlroll-onthickener and structuring agentOpen

Garnier Mineral Antibacterial Effect roll-on 50 mlroll-onthickener and structuring agentOpen

Deo Activ Ultra Freshness 50 mlroll-onthickener and structuring agentOpen

Excelsior Excelen Dry Roll-on Teen for teenagers 50 mlroll-onthickener and structuring agentOpen

Sativa No. 307 «Steppe Coolness» cream deodorant 50 mlcreamthickener and structuring agentOpen

NIVEA MEN Black & White Invisible Original stick 50 mlstickthickener and structuring agentOpen

Vichy Homme Anti-irritations 48H 50 mlroll-onthickener and structuring agentOpen

Biotherm Deo Pure roll-on 48H 75 mlroll-onthickener and structuring agentOpen

Sources

The conclusions apply to the stated conditions and jurisdictions, not automatically to every concentration or product.

CIR: Quick Reference Table (summary of conclusions, 2014) Supports: safety conclusion
COSMILE Europe (Cosmetics Europe): Cetearyl Alcohol Supports: INCI functions, substance description

Cetearyl Alcohol

What does this ingredient do in an antiperspirant?

Part of a system, not a label in isolation

Products containing Cetearyl Alcohol

Sources

Ingredients with a similar role