cetyl alcohol

what it is: unlike other alcohols that can dry out skin + strands, cetyl alcohol is a “fatty” alcohol, which makes it more versatile + moisturizing when used in haircare. cetyl alcohol has a few different jobs in your fave formulas—it works as an emollient to trap moisture + soften strands, as well as an emulsifier to help water-based + oil-based ingredients mix. it can even thicken formulas for a better, more luxe lather.