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Cetearyl alcohol is fatty alcohol (not to be confused with rubbing alcohol) commonly used in skincare and beauty products. It’s a white, waxy mixture of cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol, which are both fatty alcohols. These combinations can be either synthetic or naturally sourced from palm or coconut oil. Unlike rubbing alcohol, fatty alcohols are moisturizing to the skin.
Lotions, creams, and other topical ointments include cetearyl alcohol to create a smoother texture, thicken lotions, and stabilize foams.
Cetearyl alcohol is an ingredient best used in creams, lotions, and ointments. It improves the texture of these products, making them smoother and easier to absorb into the skin. It also keeps other ingredients from separating out into oil and water-based ingredients. It also can act as a moisture barrier for moisturizers and day and night creams.
Unless you have a specific allergy to cetearyl alcohol, there aren’t any real drawbacks as far as side effects or irritation to the skin. It does not have the same chemical structure as rubbing alcohols that irritate and dry the skin.
Adult acne, or post-adolescent acne, is acne that occurs after age 25. For the most part, the same factors that cause acne in adolescents are at play in adult acne. The four factors that directly contribute to acne are: excess oil production, pores becoming clogged by “sticky” skin cells, bacteria, and inflammation.
There are also some indirect factors that influence the aforementioned direct factors, including
Simple, non-irritating skin care products are important for anyone with acne. Choose products that are gentle and safe for skin with acne, and eliminate products that are harsh and can make matters worse. It’s also important not to squeeze or pick at acne lesions, as that can worsen discoloration and scarring.
cetearyl alcohol may be effective for adult acne, but there are many other factors that may affect whether this ingredient would work on your skin or if there are better ingredients that may work for you. Take this skin quiz to find the best ingredients for your skin and build your skincare routine.
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