Is Cetyl Alcohol Comedogenic?
Comedogenic rating: 2/5 — Low–moderate risk
Cetyl 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 Cetyl Alcohol comedogenic?
Cetyl 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 Cetyl Alcohol cause fungal acne?
Cetyl 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 Cetyl Alcohol if you're acne-prone?
Cetyl 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 Cetyl Alcohol compares to other fatty alcohols
| Ingredient | Rating | Pore-clogging |
|---|---|---|
| Cetyl Alcohol | 2/5 | Low–moderate |
| Cetearyl Alcohol | 2/5 | Low–moderate |
| Oleyl Alcohol | 4/5 | Likely |
Frequently asked questions
Is Cetyl Alcohol comedogenic?
Cetyl 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 Cetyl Alcohol cause fungal acne?
Cetyl 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 Cetyl Alcohol safe for acne-prone skin?
Cetyl 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 Cetyl Alcohol found in?
Cetyl 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 Cetyl Alcohol?
Look for non-comedogenic emollients rated 0–1 such as squalane, glycerin, hemp seed oil or sunflower oil.
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