Fatty Alcohol
Reviewed by Kate · Last updated 18 Aug 2026
Also known as: Fatty Acid, Cetyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Lauryl Alcohol, Myristyl Alcohol, Lanolin Alcohol, Batyl Alcohol, Behenyl Alcohol, Isostearyl Alcohol
Made from fatty acid | Structurally similar to triglycerides
Addresses
EWG Safety Score
What Is Fatty Alcohol?
Fatty alcohols are made from fatty acids and have much different properties than drying or sensitizing forms of alcohol such as ethanol or denatured alcohol. These types of alcohols are more structurally similar to triglycerides in that they have a long carbon chain and an ester bond. Fatty alcohols can be derived from natural sources like coconut oil and palm oil. Fatty alcohols in skin care used in cosmetics as thickening agents and emollients.
Clinical Evidence & References
Published Research
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Green Energy & Environment, June 2023, pages 722-743 [https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gee.2022.03.001]
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