Is Cetearyl Alcohol Comedogenic?
Comedogenic rating: 2/5 — Low–moderate risk
Cetearyl Alcohol is a fatty (non-drying) alcohol used to thicken creams and lock in moisture. In cosmetics it is typically found in lotions, creams, conditioners and cleansers.
| Comedogenic rating | 2/5 — Low–moderate risk |
|---|---|
| Pore-clogging | Low–moderate |
| Fungal-acne safe | Yes |
| Category | Fatty alcohol |
Is Cetearyl Alcohol comedogenic?
Cetearyl Alcohol carries a low-to-moderate comedogenic rating of 2 out of 5. Most people tolerate it well and it is unlikely to be a primary cause of breakouts. If your skin is extremely acne-prone, keep a light eye on it in leave-on products used around the T-zone, but for most users it is not a major concern.
Does Cetearyl Alcohol cause fungal acne?
Cetearyl Alcohol is generally considered fungal-acne (Malassezia) safe. It is not among the oils, fatty acids or polysorbates known to feed Malassezia yeast, so it should not aggravate fungal acne (Malassezia folliculitis) for most people.
Should you use Cetearyl Alcohol if you're acne-prone?
Cetearyl Alcohol is fine for normal, dry and combination skin. Very acne-prone users should introduce it slowly and watch for congestion, but it does not need to be avoided outright.
How Cetearyl Alcohol compares to other fatty alcohols
| Ingredient | Rating | Pore-clogging |
|---|---|---|
| Cetearyl Alcohol | 2/5 | Low–moderate |
| Cetyl Alcohol | 2/5 | Low–moderate |
| Oleyl Alcohol | 4/5 | Likely |
Frequently asked questions
Is Cetearyl Alcohol comedogenic?
Cetearyl Alcohol carries a low-to-moderate comedogenic rating of 2 out of 5. Most people tolerate it well and it is unlikely to be a primary cause of breakouts. If your skin is extremely acne-prone, keep a light eye on it in leave-on products used around the T-zone, but for most users it is not a major concern.
Does Cetearyl Alcohol cause fungal acne?
Cetearyl Alcohol is generally considered fungal-acne (Malassezia) safe. It is not among the oils, fatty acids or polysorbates known to feed Malassezia yeast, so it should not aggravate fungal acne (Malassezia folliculitis) for most people.
Is Cetearyl Alcohol safe for acne-prone skin?
Cetearyl Alcohol is fine for normal, dry and combination skin. Very acne-prone users should introduce it slowly and watch for congestion, but it does not need to be avoided outright.
What products is Cetearyl Alcohol found in?
Cetearyl Alcohol is a fatty (non-drying) alcohol used to thicken creams and lock in moisture, and is commonly found in lotions, creams, conditioners and cleansers.
What can I use instead of Cetearyl Alcohol?
Look for non-comedogenic emollients rated 0–1 such as squalane, glycerin, hemp seed oil or sunflower oil.
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