Cetyl Laurate
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: Hexadecyl dodecanoate, Palmityl laurate, Dodecanoic acid, Hexadecyl ester, Hexadecyl laurate, CETINOL LU, LAURATE DE CETYLE, Lauric acid, Cetyl ester, WE(16:0/12:0)
Synthetic
Emollient
Skin Conditioner
Plant Oil
Not Clean
The CIR Expert Panel concluded that the alkyl esters, listed subsequently, are safe in the present practices of use and concentration described in this safety assessment when formulated to be non-irritating.
Effective at 15.35%
Formula
C28H56O2
Mol. Weight
424.70
CAS #
20834-06-4
Form
Liquid
State
Other Solid
Functions
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 ester developed in the 20th century combining cetyl alcohol with lauric acid. Used in cosmetics as an emollient and thickening agent with no traditional antecedent.
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Concentration Guide
0.7%
30.0%
0%42%
Reported use
CIR reported use: 0.7-30 | 1-5
Regulatory Agencies
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
Dryness
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed1 review →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR