Decyltetradecanol or 2-decyltetradecanol is a chemical compound 

The name defines the structure of the molecule:

• Decyl- refers to a decyl group, a chain of ten carbons attached to the molecule.
• Tetradecanol refers to tetradecyl alcohol, a chain of fourteen carbon atoms with a hydroxyl group (-OH) at one end.

Thus, Decyltetradecanol is a molecule consisting of a chain of ten carbon atoms attached to a chain of fourteen carbon atoms with a hydroxyl group at one end. The 2- in 2-decyltetradecanol indicates that the decyl group is attached to the second carbon atom of the tetradecyl chain.

It comes in the form of a transparent liquid.

What it is for and where

Cosmetics

Decyltetradecanol is mainly used in cosmetic skin care and hair care products. Its life cycle is about 3 years and it is used as an intermediate component in organic synthesis.

The INCI main functions of this chemical compound in cosmetics are:

Skin conditioning agent. It is the mainstay of topical skin treatment as it has the function of restoring, increasing or improving skin tolerance to external factors, including melanocyte tolerance. The most important function of the conditioning agent is to prevent skin dehydration, but the subject is rather complex and involves emollients and humectants that can be added in the formulation.

Skin conditioning agent - Emollient. Emollients have the characteristic of enhancing the skin barrier through a source of exogenous lipids that adhere to the skin, improving barrier properties by filling gaps in intercorneocyte clusters to improve hydration while protecting against inflammation. In practice, they have the ability to create a barrier that prevents transepidermal water loss.  Emollients are described as degreasing or refreshing additives that improve the lipid content of the upper layers of the skin by preventing degreasing and drying of the skin. The problem with emollients is that many have a strong lipophilic character and are identified as occlusive ingredients; they are oily and fatty materials that remain on the skin surface and reduce transepidermal water loss. In cosmetics, emollients and moisturisers are often considered synonymous with humectants and occlusives.

Viscosity control agent. It controls and adapts, Increasing or decreasing, viscosity to the required level for optimal chemical and physical stability of the product and dosage in gels, suspensions, emulsions, solutions. 

Other uses

This substance is used in the following products:

• coating products, fillers, putties, plasters, modelling clay, adhesives and sealants, air care products, biocides (e.g. disinfectants, pest control products), finger paints, hydraulic fluids, inks and toners, lubricants and greases, perfumes and fragrances, pharmaceuticals, polishes and waxes, washing & cleaning products and cosmetics and personal care products.
• lubricants and greases, hydraulic fluids, metal working fluids, washing & cleaning products, coating products, fillers, putties, plasters, modelling clay, finger paints, inks and toners, perfumes and fragrances, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics and personal care products.
• building & construction work.
• machinery and vehicles, rubber products, plastic products, electrical, electronic and optical equipment and fabricated metal products.

• Molecular Formula:     C₂₄H₅₀O
• Molecular Weight: 354.7 g/mol
• CAS: 58670-89-6
• UNII L6W1BEW5ES
• InChIKey:    CAYHVMBQBLYQMT-UHFFFAOYSA-N
• EC Number: 261-385-0
• DSSTox Substance ID: 
• MDL number  MFCD00674096
• PubChem Substance ID  24870189
• NACRES:  NA.22

Synonims: 

• 1-Tetradecanol, 2-decyl-
• 2-Decyl-1-tetradecanol