Cetearyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol that is a mixture of cetyl and stearyl alcohols. It can be extracted naturally, as in coconut oil alcohol, or manufactured synthetically. Unlike the skin aggravating/drying forms of alcohol (typically listed as SD alcohol, denatured alcohol or isopropyl alcohol), cetearyl alcohol is an emollient that is gentle, safe and good for the skin.
In addition to cetearyl alcohol's emollient ability to provide a softening and smoothing effect, it is also used as a carrier for other ingredients. In addition, it can be used to change the thickness of a formula or to affect the foaming capacity of a cleanser.
It's almost always combined with ingredients that feel similar to create a product's texture and glide when applied to the skin.
According to the US FDA, cosmetic products labeled "alcohol-free" must contain cetearyl alcohol because the effects are so different from skin-damaging forms of alcohol. We repeat: fatty alcohols such as cetearyl alcohol do not pose a risk of sensitizing or drying out your skin.
As a raw material, cetearyl alcohol is a white, waxy solid (often in flake form). It is not soluble in water, but is soluble in alcohol and oils. In most skin care formulas, cetearyl alcohol is present at a concentration of less than 5%, although higher amounts are permitted. https://www.paulaschoice.com/ingredient-dictionary/ingredient-cetearyl-alcohol.html?q=Cetearyl%20Alcohol&fdid=ingredients