Cetyl Glyceryl Ether

Cetyl Glyceryl Ether at a Glance

• Emollient made from reaction of glycerin and cetyl alcohol
• Helps soften and condition skin and hair
• Considered safe as used in cosmetics
• May be plant-derived or synthetic

Cetyl Glyceryl Ether Description

Cetyl glyceryl ether is a synthetic or plant-derived emollient made from glycerin and the fatty alcohol cetyl alcohol. Chemically, it’s an ether, a compound possessing carbon-oxygen-carbon bonds that can also have solvent properties.

This ingredient has no color or discernible odor and is soluble in both water and oil, giving it helpful versatility. It’s considered safe for skin and may be listed as chimyl alcohol.

Use levels of cetyl glyceryl ether in cosmetics ranges from 0.1–5% depending on formulary needs and desired aesthetics. It’s almost always used with other emollients and emulsifiers to create a given product’s distinctive texture and help enhance stability (such as preventing separation of the water and oil phases).

Cetyl glyceryl ether is considered safe as used in cosmetics.

Cetyl Glyceryl Ether References