Octyldodecanol is a branched-chain primary alcohol used as the isomer 2-octyl-1-dodecanol in cosmetics such as lipstick,[2] or as an anti-blooming agent in facepowder.

[4] Octyldodecanol is in the class of Guerbet alcohols, because it has the branch at the β position.

[5] Compared to arachidyl alcohol, the linear alcohol of the same molecular weight, it has a lower melting point, yet retains low volatility.

[5] 2-Octyldodecanol is produced by the Guerbet condensation of decyl alcohol.

[6] When octyldodecanol is melted with an alkali it yields octyldodecanoic acid by a dehydrogenation reaction.