Cetearyl Nonanoate

Cetearyl Nonanoate 1
stock photograph
AKA: Cetearyl Ester, Cetyl Stearyl Nonanoate
Plant-Derived
Emollient
Skin Conditioner
Clean
OriginDerived from coconut, palm kernel, or soybean oils as natural starting materials. Synthesized through esterification of cetearyl alcohol with nonanoic acid.
Cetearyl Nonanoate is a cosmetic ingredient used as skin conditioning - emollient. Rated low hazard by EWG. Assessed as safe by the CIR.
CAS #
-
Form
Oil
Skin Types
●all-skin-types, gentle
Best For
Dryness
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
Functions
Emollient
Fills in the tiny cracks between skin cells to make everything feel smooth and soft. The "silky finish" ingredient.
Locks In Moisture
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewednone on file
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed3 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
EWG
1
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Skin Irritant
5 studies / 5 not irritating (CIR 558 and 623)
Not a Sensitizer
2 studies / 2 not sensitizing (CIR 558)
Eye Irritant in Testing
1 study / 1 irritating / reactions minimal (CIR 558)
Concentration Guide
CIR lists it as not reported to be in use.
CIR · report published 2015
Regulatory Status
USA✔ permitted
EU⚠ restricted
JAPAN⚠ restricted
CANADA⚠ restricted
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR