Arachidyl Alcohol

Good

Emollient

Arachidyl Alcohol at a glance

  • Waxy substance used as a thickening agent and emollient in cosmetics
  • A non-irritating fatty alcohol that is gentle on skin
  • May also be used as part of an emulsifying blend to help create a cohesive texture
  • Can be incorporated in a wide variety of beauty products

Arachidyl Alcohol description

Arachidyl alcohol is a waxy fatty alcohol used as a thickening agent and emollient in cosmetics. It is non-irritating as opposed to harsh, drying forms of alcohol. Arachidyl alcohol may also function as part of an emulsifying blend to help keep unlike ingredients (such as oil and water) from separating in a formula. Despite this benefit, it’s considered hydrophobic, meaning it’s nearly insoluble in water. This explains why it is often used as part of a blend with water-soluble emulsifiers. You can find this ingredient incorporated in all kinds of beauty products including facial moisturisers, body lotions, and anti-ageing treatments. It is sometimes referred to as 1-Eicosanol. Concentration protocols haven’t been established for arachidyl alcohol, but it is not known to be a skin sensitizer in amounts commonly used in cosmetics.

Arachidyl Alcohol references

  • International Journal of Toxicology, September 2015, pages 5S-69S
  • Percutaneous Penetration Enhancers Chemical Methods in Penetration Enhancement. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg, 2015, pages 231-250
  • Alkyl Polyglucosides: From Natural-Origin Surfactants to Prospective Delivery Systems, 2014, pages 135-161
  • Journal of Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry, March 2013, pages 2,045-2,057

Peer-reviewed, substantiated scientific research is used to assess ingredients in this dictionary. Regulations regarding constraints, permitted concentration levels and availability vary by country and region.

Ingredient ratings

Best

Proven and supported by independent studies. Outstanding active ingredient for most skin types or concerns.

Good

Necessary to improve a formula's texture, stability, or penetration.

Average

Generally non-irritating but may have aesthetic, stability, or other issues that limit its usefulness.

Bad

There is a likelihood of irritation. Risk increases when combined with other problematic ingredients.

Worst

May cause irritation, inflammation, dryness, etc. May offer benefit in some capability but overall, proven to do more harm than good.

unknown

We couldn't find this in our ingredient dictionary. We log all missing ingredients and make continuous updates.

Not rated

We have not yet rated this ingredient because we have not had a chance to review the research on it.