Can you believe that there’s actually “alcohol” in Cantu Coconut Curling Cream? In this video, I slow it all the way down and explain why that word can sound scary, but it’s not always a problem. As a board-certified pharmacist, I’m continuing my ingredient-by-ingredient series, and this time we’re talking about cetearyl alcohol (you might see it written a little differently on labels). The key is this: it’s not a drying alcohol like ethanol. It’s a fatty alcohol, and that changes everything. I explain how fatty alcohols help in hair care formulations because they create a film around the hair, making it sleek, smooth, easier to manage, and helping curls look more beautiful. I also share that these fatty alcohols are commonly derived from plant oils like coconut oil and palm oil, and they contribute to that buttery texture and thickness in the cream. Most importantly, they help your hair hold onto moisture for longer. And yes—Cantu even states “no dry alcohols” on the container, which matches what I’m seeing so far as I review the formula (water, glycerin, canola oil, and now cetearyl alcohol).