Cetyl Acetate

What is Cetyl Acetate?

A waxy ester of cetyl alcohol and acetic acid, used as an emollient and texture-enhancing agent in cosmetics.

Why is it used in products?

It provides a smooth, velvety skin feel and helps stabilize emulsions while improving product spreadability.

Why does it clog pores?

Cetyl acetate's waxy molecular structure creates a film over pores that is slow to break down, trapping sebum and dead cells underneath. Its comedogenic rating is moderate to high in testing. The waxy residue it leaves on skin is particularly persistent and difficult for normal skin processes to clear.

Commonly found in

• foundations
• moisturizers
• sunscreens
• primers