Ingredient guide ›

Octyldodecanol

The smooth glider.

What it does

A light, oily liquid that softens skin and helps lipstick and deodorant glide on.

Good to know

Skin allergy to it has been reported a few times, mostly from medicated creams.

Often found in: Deodorants, Lip products, Antiperspirants, Hand creams

Around the world

• United States: No FDA limit. The FDA doesn't approve cosmetic ingredients before sale. Source
• EU and UK: No special limit in the EU or UK. Source
• Canada: Not on Health Canada's Hotlist of restricted ingredients. Source
• Australia: No limit in Australia's Poisons Standard. Source

Sources

• Contact sensitivity to octyldodecanol and trometamol in an anti-itch cream (Contact Dermatitis, 2007) (Medical)
• Contact dermatitis due to octyldodecanol in clotrimazole cream (Contact Dermatitis, 1997) (Medical)