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Description
Cetearyl Alcohol is a nonionic fatty alcohol composed primarily of a mixture of cetyl alcohol (C16) and stearyl alcohol (C18) obtained from vegetable oils such as coconut oil and palm oil or from synthetic sources. Despite the name "alcohol," Cetearyl Alcohol is not an ethanol-type alcohol and does not exhibit the drying or irritating effects associated with short-chain alcohols. Instead, it functions as an emollient, emulsifier co-stabilizer, viscosity enhancer, thickening agent, and consistency regulator in cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and personal care formulations.
Cetearyl Alcohol is one of the most widely used multifunctional ingredients in creams, lotions, conditioners, ointments, sunscreens, cleansers, and topical pharmaceutical products. It improves product texture, increases viscosity, enhances emulsion stability, and leaves a soft, smooth feel on the skin and hair. Due to its excellent compatibility with oils, waxes, surfactants, and emulsifying systems, it is considered an essential structural ingredient in modern emulsified formulations.
Its combination of excellent sensory properties, formulation flexibility, and high safety profile has made Cetearyl Alcohol one of the most important fatty alcohols used in personal care and pharmaceutical manufacturing.
CAS Number
CAS Number: 67762-27-0
Synonyms
Physical Properties
Cetearyl Alcohol is supplied as white flakes, pellets, beads, or waxy granules. It is odorless or possesses only a faint fatty odor and melts readily during cosmetic manufacturing.
Typical characteristics include:
Its wax-like consistency contributes to the rich texture and luxurious feel of emulsified products.
Chemical Properties
Cetearyl Alcohol consists of long-chain saturated primary alcohols containing sixteen and eighteen carbon atoms. The hydroxyl functional group provides limited hydrophilic character, while the long hydrocarbon chains impart strong lipophilic properties.
Important chemical characteristics include:
Because of its saturated structure, Cetearyl Alcohol exhibits excellent resistance to oxidation compared with unsaturated fatty compounds.
Manufacturing Process
Commercial Cetearyl Alcohol is produced by hydrogenating natural fatty acids or fatty acid methyl esters obtained from vegetable oils.
Typical manufacturing stages include:
The final cetyl-to-stearyl ratio is adjusted according to the desired application and product specifications.
Mechanism of Action
Cetearyl Alcohol functions primarily by strengthening the internal structure of emulsions.
Within oil-in-water emulsions, it forms organized lamellar structures that stabilize dispersed oil droplets while increasing viscosity. This results in improved emulsion stability, enhanced spreadability, and a richer sensory profile.
Its primary functions include:
In hair care products, it forms a thin conditioning film that improves softness and manageability.
