Cetearyl Candelillate
AKA “Cetearyl Candelilla Wax Ester
Emollient
Ingredient Facts
Cetearyl candelillate
AKA: Cetearyl Candelilla Wax Ester
Emollient · Emollient · EWG: 4
Plant-Derived
Emollient
Skin Conditioner
Barrier Support
Not Clean
Fatty acids, candelilla wax, C16-18 alkyl ester
CAS #
246538-67-0
Form
Wax
See origin →
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.
Skin Protecting
Helps rebuild and strengthen your skin barrier — the invisible shield that keeps moisture in and irritants out. Essential after over-exfoliating or harsh weather.
Nourishes & Protects
Locks In Moisture
Traditional Use
A synthetic ester combining cetyl and stearyl alcohols with candelilla wax fatty acids. Created as a natural-origin alternative emollient and texture modifier in cosmetics.
Skin Types
all-skin-types
Best For
Dryness
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Regulatory Status
USApermitted
EUrestricted
JAPANrestricted
CANADArestricted
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR