Chimyl Alcohol

AKA: 1-O-Hexadecyl-sn-glycerol, 506-03-6, Testriol, (S)-3-(Hexadecyloxy)propane-1, 2-diol, (2S)-3-hexadecoxypropane-1, 1, 2-Propanediol, CHEBI:34115, NIKKOL CHIMYL ALCOHOL 100
Synthetic
Emollient
Skin Conditioner
Clean
(S)-3-(Hexadecyloxy)propane-1,2-diol
Formula
C19H40O3
Mol. Weight
316.50
CAS #
506-03-6, 6145-69-3
Form
Liquid
State
Solid; [Merck Index]
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
Developed in the mid-20th century as a synthetic fatty alcohol derived from shark liver oil or plant sources. Used in cosmetics as an emollient and thickening agent to replace natural whale-derived ingredients.
EWG
1
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
ewg-1
medical-approval
pregnancy-nursing-safe
all-shades-safe
Regulatory Status
USApermitted
EUrestricted
JAPANrestricted
CANADArestricted
Skin Types
all-skin-types, gentle
Best For
Dryness
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper
⚖️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