Cetyl Glycol
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: 1, 2-Hexadecanediol, 6920-24-7, CHEBI:75586
Synthetic
Emollient
Skin Conditioner
Hair Care
Not Clean
1,2-hexadecanediol is a glycol that is hexadecane which is substituted by hydroxy groups at positions 1 and 2. It derives from a hydride of a hexadecane.
Formula
C16H34O2
Mol. Weight
258.44
CAS #
6920-24-7
Form
Powder
State
White solid; Slightly soluble in water; [MSDSonline]
Functions
Hair Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Skin Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Emollient
Fills in the tiny cracks between skin cells to make everything feel smooth and soft. The "silky finish" ingredient.
Viscosity Controlling
Locks In Moisture
Traditional Use
A synthetic compound created in modern cosmetic chemistry as a humectant and viscosity modifier. Developed to improve product texture and skin hydration in contemporary formulations.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
Dehydration
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewednone on file
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed2 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR