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