Octyldodecanol

Octyldodecanol is a low polarity liquid fatty alcohol that is an emollient, moisturizer, and solvent. It’s very versatile and can be used like liquid carrier oils in many applications. Octyldodecanol is popular in colour cosmetics as it improves pigment dispersion (some manufacturers sell pigments pre-dispersed in a base of octyldodecanol).

Octyldodecanol is non-volatile and is very different from alcohols like isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol and ethanol. It is more like carrier oils than ethanol.

Octyldodecanol

Clear, thin fluid

Recommendations are usually in the 1–20% range. I have not found a maximum allowable level. “The CIR Expert Panel evaluated the scientific data and concluded that … Octyldodecanol [was] safe for use in cosmetics and personal care products.” (source)

Smooth, spreadable

Nothing noticeable

Average to fast

Liquid at room temperature

Octyldodecanol is oil and paraffin soluble, miscible in alcohol.

Octyldodecanol is very useful in formulations. It offers emolliency, moisturizing, and lubrication. It also helps decrease foam, stabilize emulsions, and is an excellent solvent.

No, but it is very useful if you are formulating with salicylic acid.

Octyldodecanol only exists as a refined product.

Octyldodecanol is an excellent solvent for salicylic acid.

Octyldodecanol can be tricky to find.

Before you choose an alternative, you’ll need to determine why octyldodecanol is used in a formulation.

If it is being used as an emollient you could try different emollient ingredients like liquid oils, esters, and silicones.

If it is being used as a salicylic acid solvent I’m afraid I don’t have many suggestions; octyldodecanol is an excellent salicylic acid solvent with a much higher ability to dissolve salicylic acid than most other options.

Include octyldodecanol in the oil phase of your formulations; it can be hot or cold processed.

Stored somewhere cool, dark, and dry, octyldodecanol should last at least 12 months.

Octyldodecanol and stearyl alcohol (a component of Cetearyl Alcohol) are both long chain fatty alcohols.

60mL (2 fl oz)

 Buy it from an online DIY ingredient supplier. Mine is from TKB Trading.