Is Cetyl Alcohol vegan?

Cetyl Alcohol

Unconfirmed

A fatty alcohol originally obtained from spermaceti (the waxy substance found in the head of the sperm whale), but now commonly produced synthetically or from plant-derived sources such as palm or coconut oil. It is widely used in cosmetics as an emollient, emulsifier, and thickener.

Also known as 1-Hexadecanol, C16 alcohol, C16 fatty alcohol, Hexadecan-1-ol, Hexadecanol, Palmityl alcohol
CAS number 36653-82-4
EC number 253-149-0
Last reviewed 16 April 2026

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