Dear CurlySuzy: I noticed cetearyl alcohol in some of the products. I thought any alcohol was drying to the hair and not good for naturals. I’m a 4a.
Dear Angela: The alcohol thing can be confusing. There are good alcohols and bad alcohols.
Here is some information about alcohols:
GOOD (fatty”> alcohols
Cetyl Alcohol: This is a fatty alcohol that is derived from coconut and palm oils. This alcohol is an emollient. It makes hair and skin softer.
Stearyl Alcohol: Another fatty alcohol. Stearyl alcohol is often used in conditioners and shampoos and acts as an emollient (softener”>.
- Cetyl Alcohol*
- Acetyl Alcohol
- Sterol Alcohol
- Stearyl Alcohol
- Lauryl Alcohol
- Lanolin Alcohol
- Stearic Acid*
*: see sidebar.
BAD alcohols
- Menthanol
- Ethanol
- Propanol
- SDA40
- Alcohol Denat
- Specially Denaturated Alcohol
- Isopropyl Alcohol
I hope this helps. Check out this article for even more information about alcohols.
