Very Disliked
Coconut Alcohol
Fatty Alcohol
Fatty alcohols (like cetyl, stearyl, or cetearyl alcohol) are moisturizing ingredients that help thicken products. Despite the similar name, they're nothing like drying alcohols. Some people find them pore-clogging, but many tolerate them well.
Coconut Derived
Coconut-derived ingredients are made from coconut oil or other parts of the coconut, often processed into surfactants, emulsifiers, emollients, or fatty acids. They're widely used in cleansers and moisturizers, but may be a concern for those with coconut allergies or sensitivities.
May feed Fungal Acne
Non-fungal acne-safe products contain ingredients that can worsen fungal acne. If you suspect fungal acne, consult a dermatologist for proper diagnosis.
Explained
Coconut alcohol is a mixture of fatty alcohols from the fatty acids in coconut oil.
Though it has the word "alcohol" in its name, it is not a drying solvent alcohol. Coconut alcohol has multiple roles:
- Emollient that helps soften and hydrate skin
- Emulsion stabilizer that helps keep oil and water stay mixed in a formula
- Viscosity booster that gives lotions a thicker texture
- Foam booster
Typical use levels range from 1-5%.
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel has found minimal irritation in clinical testing and no evidence of sensitization from this ingredient.
See all 85 products with Coconut Alcohol
Users who like it
1%
Users who avoid it
99%
What it does
Emollient
Having the quality of softening or soothing the skin.
Emulsifying
The act of emulsion: a suspension of small globules of one liquid in a second liquid with which the first will not mix
Emulsion Stabilising
Stabiliziing emulsion, making two non-mixable ingredients stable
Stabilising
Causing to become stable
Surfactant
When added to liquid, surfactants may act as detergents, wetting agents, emulsifiers, foaming agents, and dispersants
Prevalence
Less common
Percentage of products that contain it
0.1%
Top categories
Cleansers
Moisturizers
Sunscreens
Position
Predominant list placement
Bottom 50%
CosIng Data
CosIng ID
75281
INCI Name
COCONUT ALCOHOL
EC #
 270-351-4
All Functions
Emollient, Emulsifying, Emulsion Stabilising, Foam Boosting, Stabilising, Surfactant, Viscosity Controlling
