Cetyl Alcohol. What is it & why is it in my products????

I often hear people comment that they had to discontinue using their favorite moisturizing products because they have some form of alcohol in them. One may wonder why alcohol be put into a moisturizing product? Here is why.....Despite the name, cetyl alcohol is actually a moisturizing agent, not a drying one like rubbing alcohol. It looks like solid white waxy pellets and is typically derived from plants. It is added to skin and hair products providing thickness, moisturization and emulsification (Helping water and oil mix). So next time you see your favorite product containing, "Cetyl Alcohol", don't fret that you can no longer use it, because now you know it is a great ingredient to have in your moisturizers.