Very Disliked
Oleyl Alcohol
Fragrance
Fragrances make products smell appealing but are a common cause of skin irritation and allergic reactions. This includes synthetic fragrances, natural fragrances, and essential oils. Fragrance-free products are the safest bet for sensitive skin.
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.
May cause Acne
These ingredients have a higher likelihood of clogging pores or triggering breakouts, especially for acne-prone skin. However, skin reactions are individual - what causes breakouts for one person may work fine for another. Patch test if you're concerned.
Explained
Oleyl Alcohol is a type of fatty alcohol made from oleic acid.
Fatty Alcohols are most often used as an emollient or to thicken a product. They are usually derived from natural fats and oils and therefore do not have the same drying or irritating effect as solvent alcohols.
See all 211 products with Oleyl Alcohol
What it does
Emollient
Having the quality of softening or soothing the skin.
Masking
Obscuring or blocking
Perfuming
A substance that emits and diffuses a fragrant odor, especially a volatile liquid distilled from flowers or preparedsynthetically.
Solvent
Capable of dissolving another substance.
Alternative names
(Z)-Octadec-9-Enol
Prevalence
Less common
Percentage of products that contain it
0.2%
Top categories
Moisturizers
Treatments
Haircare
Position
Predominant list placement
Bottom 50%
References
Products with Oleyl Alcohol
CosIng Data
CosIng ID
78022
INCI Name
OLEYL ALCOHOL
INN Name
oleyl alcohol
EC #
 205-597-3 / 209-791-9
All Functions
Emollient, Masking, Perfuming, Solvent, Viscosity Controlling
