murphyCetyl Glycol
AKA: 1, 2-Hexadecanediol, 6920-24-7, CHEBI:75586
Synthetic
Emollient
Skin Conditioner
Hair Care
Not Clean
OriginDerived from petroleum or plant-based fatty alcohols within the glycol ether chemical family. Synthesized through etherification of cetyl alcohol with ethylene oxide or glycol compounds.
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]
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
Dehydration
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
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
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.
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not Phototoxic (CIR Panel on the ingredient group)
CIR Panel statement covering this group of ingredients; not tested individually (CIR 576)
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR