Snapshot
- Overview
- A fatty alcohol that thickens formulas and adds a cushioned feel.
- Category
- Emulsifying, Skin Conditioning, Tone/Texture
- Type
- Emollient
Lauryl Alcohol
Lauryl alcohol is a twelve-carbon fatty alcohol obtained from natural oils or petrochemical routes for personal care use. It works as an emollient and structuring aid, adding thickness, stability, and a cushioned application to lotions, creams, and soaps.
Like this ingredient?
Our take
Is Lauryl Alcohol a Good Ingredient?
Rated Fair because it reliably improves texture and payoff, but its high comedogenic rating and potential to occlude pores make it a cautious choice for breakout-prone users, and that risk is what holds the rating down.
What it does
Skin Benefits
Contributes cushion, glide, and formula body for smoother, more consistent application. May pose clogging risk for acne-prone skin and is mainly valued for texture rather than clinical outcomes.
Where you'll find it
Uses in Skincare & Cosmetics
Used in lotions, creams, and body butters for emollience and viscosity; also appears in deodorant sticks and hair conditioners to improve solidity and payoff.
Before you use it
Safety
Generally safe in cosmetics; can trigger breakouts in susceptible users and may irritate those sensitive to fatty alcohols, especially at higher concentrations. No notable regulatory restrictions.
Products with Lauryl Alcohol
