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CarCareTruthProducts · Ranked

Cetearyl Alcohol

  • Esters
  • CAS 8005-44-5
  • IUPAC: Hexadecan-1-ol and octadecan-1-ol mixture

Cetearyl Alcohol (CAS 8005-44-5) appears in 1 of the 1,812 car-care products CarCareTruth tracks (as of June 2026). It is readily biodegradable.

Generally recognized as safe. Used extensively in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals as an emulsifier. No significant health hazards at typical use concentrations; may cause mild skin irritation in sensitive individuals at high concentrations.

Cetearyl alcohol is a mixture of cetyl alcohol (C16) and stearyl alcohol (C18), both fatty alcohols. Despite the name, it is not drying like ethanol — fatty alcohols are waxy solids used as emulsifiers, emollients, and viscosity modifiers. In leather conditioning sprays it stabilizes the emulsion and contributes a smooth skin feel.

Readily biodegradable and low in aquatic toxicity. Frequently included on EPA Safer Choice ingredient lists. A benign emulsifier overall.

Health & environment profile

VOC
no
Prop 65 listed
no
Asthmagen
no
EPA Safer Choice
no
Aquatic toxicity
no
Biodegradable
yes
Bioaccumulative
no
Persistent
no
Ozone depleting
no
Microplastic
no
PFAS
no
Env. score
4/5
Purpose: Emulsifier, emollient, viscosity modifier and stabilizer in conditioning emulsions

Common questions about Cetearyl Alcohol

What is Cetearyl Alcohol used for in car care?
Emulsifier, emollient, viscosity modifier and stabilizer in conditioning emulsions
Is Cetearyl Alcohol a VOC?
No. Cetearyl Alcohol is not classified as a volatile organic compound (VOC).
Is Cetearyl Alcohol on California's Proposition 65 list?
No. Cetearyl Alcohol is not on California's Proposition 65 list.
Is Cetearyl Alcohol biodegradable?
Yes. Cetearyl Alcohol has a confirmed biodegradable profile.

1 product contain this

Related

Health and environment notes translate the manufacturer Safety Data Sheet, the GHS classification, and authoritative regulatory listings (California Prop 65, EPA). Not medical advice. They describe the ingredient itself; whether a hazard applies to a finished product depends on its concentration and how it's used.