Common Name(s): 2-octyldodecanol,eutanol g,c20 branched alcohol
CAS Number: 5333-42-6
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Provides elegant dry-touch emolliency with excellent solubilisation for active ingredients.
Why It's Used: Premium emollient solvent โ octyldodecanol's branched c20 structure provides a uniquely dry, elegant emollient character with exceptional compatibility for challenging actives.
How It Works: Branched c20 fatty alcohol provides dry, non-greasy emolliency. excellent solvent for fat-soluble vitamins, retinoids, uv filters, and flavour compounds. lower viscosity than longer-chain fatty alcohols for elegant application. very good spreading coefficient for uniform application.
Typically Found In: Premium skincare,sunscreens,vitamin delivery systems
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Functional ingredient โ emollient
Secondary Functions: Barrier sealing,softening
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 1%โ20%
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Conditional - supplier confirmation required
Halal Status: Unverified - supplier confirmation required
Source Notes: Plant-derived, synthetic or animal-derived. verify source. [audit 2026-07-29 rev2: the record's own source_notes does not assert a non-animal origin, or instructs the reader to verify with the supplier; "yes" asserts knowledge the record does not hold. determination requires shariah-panel sign-off.]
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 1/5 โ very low
Comedogenicity Rating: 1/5 โ low; formulation-dependent
Sensitivity Concerns: Non-irritating.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Excellent safety profile. ewg score: 1.
Works Well With: Humectants,ceramides,actives as carrier
Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Octyldodecanol is produced via the guerbet reaction โ a base-catalysed self-condensation of two c10 alcohol molecules (decanol) yielding the branched c20 2-octyldodecanol. this reaction produces a highly branched structure that prevents crystallisation (liquid at room temperature), providing liquid-state emolliency with a completely different tactile profile than the waxy feel of linear c20 fatty alcohols.
Last Verified: 2026-03-12
Primary Sources: Cosing database,cir safety assessment