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.
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Ingredient Snapshot

Overview
A fatty alcohol that thickens formulas and adds a cushioned feel.
Category
Emulsifying, Skin Conditioning, Tone/Texture
Type
Emollient

Ingredient Ratings

Overall Rating

Fair

Comedogenic Risk

Low

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.

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.

Comedogenic Rating

Lauryl Alcohol has a comedogenic rating of 2. It has a low likelihood of clogging pores but may not suit all skin types.

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.

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.

Products with Lauryl Alcohol

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