Oleyl alcohol (also octadecenol or cis-9-octadecen-1-ol) is a non-ionic, unsaturated fatty alcohol. Oleyl alcohol is a long-chain aliphatic alcohol that occurs naturally in fish oils. It is used in such large-scale applications as the softening and lubrication of textile fabrics, and the production of carbon paper, stencil paper, and printing ink. Oleyl alcohol is also utilized as an antifoam agent and cutting lubricant. It also is a precursor for the preparation of its sulfuric ester derivatives, which are used in detergents and wetting agents. Oleyl alcohol has been incorporated into various formulations for drug delivery. Oleyl alcohol is found in a wide variety of products such as hair conditioners, foundations, eye makeup, skin moisturizers, skin cleansers and other skin care products. Oleyl alcohol helps to form emulsions and prevents an emulsion from separating into its oil and liquid components. It also reduces the tendency of finished products to generate foam when shaken. When used in the formulation of skin care products, Oleyl alcohol acts as a lubricant on the skin surface, which gives the skin a soft, smooth appearance.