Octyldodecanol is a branched saturated fatty alcohol belonging to the Guerbet alcohol family. The branching in Guerbet alcohols causes them to solidify at temperatures 40-60 degrees lower than linear fatty alcohols of similar chain length. Being fully saturated, it exhibits excellent resistance to oxidation and color changes and does not become rancid.
In personal care formulations, octyldodecanol serves as an oily ingredient with effective solvent capabilities for active compounds and functions as a superfattening agent with outstanding spreading properties. Specifically, octyldodecanol is a highly efficient low-viscosity solvent for salicylic acid, able to dissolve up to 10% of it. It also acts as a lightweight emollient that spreads easily on the skin without leaving a greasy residue. Similar to caprylic/capric triglyceride, octyldodecanol is classified as a medium-spreading emollient, with reported spreading values of 600 mm²/10 min and 550 mm²/10 min, respectively*. It is commonly used in lipsticks at concentrations of 30-40%, where it helps disperse pigments, and is also found in skin cleansers, underarm deodorants, makeup bases, and various other cosmetic products.
*Ogorzałek, M.; Klimaszewska, E.; Mirowski, M.; Kulawik-Pióro, A.; Tomasiuk, R. Appl. Sci. 2024, 14, 2783.
