Oleyl alcohol

Oleyl alcohol, octadecenol, or cis-9-octadecen-1-ol, is an unsaturated fatty alcohol with the chemical formula C₁₈H₃₆O or CH₃(CH₂)₇-CH=CH-(CH₂)₈OH.

It can be produced by the hydrogenation of oleic acid esters; which can be obtained naturally from beef fat, fish oil and in particular olive oil (from which it gains its name).

It has uses as a nonionic surfactant, emulsifier, emollient and thickener in skin creams, lotions and many other cosmetic products including shampoos and hair conditioners. It has also been investigated as a carrier for delivering medications through the skin or mucus membranes; particularly the lungs.