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CAS Number: 67762-27-0
EC Number : 267-008-6
Cetostearyl alcohol = Cetearyl alcohol = Cetylstearyl alcohol = Cetyl/stearyl alcohol
Cetostearyl alcohol; Technical stearyl alcohol (blend of linear saturated long chain fatty acids mainly C 16/18) in dust-free prills/beads.
Cetostearyl alcohol, cetearyl alcohol or cetylstearyl alcohol is a mixture of fatty alcohols, consisting predominantly of cetyl (16 C) and stearyl alcohols (18 C) and is classified as a fatty alcohol.
Cetostearyl alcohol is used as an emulsion stabilizer, opacifying agent, and foam boosting surfactant, as well as an aqueous and nonaqueous viscosity-increasing agent.
Cetostearyl alcohol imparts an emollient feel to the skin and can be used in water-in-oil emulsions, oil-in-water emulsions, and anhydrous formulations.
Cetostearyl alcohol is commonly used in hair conditioners and other hair products.
Other names
Cetearyl alcohol; Cetylstearyl alcohol; Cetyl/stearyl alcohol
Identifiers
CAS Number : 67762-27-0
ChemSpider :none
ECHA InfoCard : 100.060.898
EC Number :267-008-6
UNII :2DMT128M1S
CompTox Dashboard (EPA) :DTXSID0028323
Properties
Chemical formula: CH3(CH2)nCH2OH; n=variable, typically 14-16
Melting point: 48 to 56 °C (118 to 133 °F; 321 to 329 K)
If you’ve ever used lotions, shampoos, or conditioners, you may have noticed they include a chemical called cetearyl alcohol.
The good news is that cetearyl alcohol isn’t “bad” for you, your skin, or your hair.
Most importantly, cetearyl alcohol is very different from “regular” alcohols, like ethanol.
As a health-conscious consumer, you’re likely always on the lookout for skin and haircare products that don’t contain harmful ingredients.
Fortunately, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires manufacturers to list ingredients on a product’s label so that you can make an informed decision about what products you choose to put in or on your body.
What is cetearyl alcohol?
Cetearyl alcohol is a chemical found in cosmetic products.
It’s a white, waxy mixture of cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol, both fatty alcohols.
They’re found in animals and plants, like coconut and palm oil.
They can also be made in a laboratory.
They are used in personal care products, mainly skin lotions, hair products, and creams.
They help create smoother creams, thicker lotions, and more stable foam products.
Fatty alcohols are sometimes called long-chain alcohols because of their chemical formula.
They usually have an even number of carbon atoms, with a single alcohol group (–OH) attached to the last carbon.
What is it used for?
Cetyl alcohol helps prevent creams from separating into oil and liquid.
A chemical that helps to keep liquid and oil together is known as an emulsifier.
Cetostearyl alcohol may also make a product thicker or increase the product’s ability to foam.
Products with cetearyl alcohol
skin lotions
moisturizers
skin creams
sunscreen
shampoo
conditioners
hair removal creams
hair mousse
anti-frizz hair cream
hair dye
mascara
Cetostearyl alcohol most often appears on the ingredient list as cetearyl alcohol, but may have many other names.
Other names
(C16-C18) alkyl alcohol
alcohols, C1618
C16-18 alcohols
cetostearyl alcohol
cetyl/stearyl alcohol
1-octadecanol, mixed with 1-hexadecanol
Cetearyl alcohol isn’t the only fatty alcohol used in cosmetic products.
Other examples include cetyl alcohol, lanolin, oleyl alcohol, and stearyl alcohol.
Is it safe?
You may have heard that you should avoid hair and skin products that contain alcohol.
Cetostearyl alcohol is because many alcohols, like ethanol or rubbing alcohol, can be very drying.
Using alcohol on your skin and hair could lead to itchiness, flaking, and skin peeling.
In fact, alcohols are commonly found in products like astringents, hand sanitizers, and aftershave due to their fast-drying and skin-tightening abilities.
However, fatty alcohols, like cetearyl alcohol, don’t have the same effect on the skin as other alcohols due to their chemical structure.
The chemical makeup of cetearyl alcohol is different from more commonly known alcohols.
In cetearyl alcohol, the alcohol group (-OH) is attached to a very long chain of hydrocarbons (fats).
Cetostearyl alcohol feature allows fatty alcohols to trap water and provides a soothing feel to the skin.
Chemicals that make the skin feel smooth are referred to as emollients.
They work by forming an oily layer on the top of the skin to keep the moisture inside.
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel has concluded that fatty alcohols, including cetearyl alcohol, are safe for use in cosmetic products.
In clinical studies, cetearyl alcohol was found to have no significant toxicity and was non-mutagenic.
A mutagen is a chemical agent that changes your DNA. DNA changes can cause certain diseases, such as cancer.
Cetostearyl alcohol was also found not to irritate the skin.
According to the FDATrusted Source, even cosmetic products labeled “alcohol free” are allowed to contain cetearyl alcohol and other fatty alcohols.
Cetearyl alcohol is also included on the FDA list of safe and permitted food additives.
As with many skin care products, there’s a small risk of allergic reaction to cetearyl alcohol.
A 2007 studyTrusted Source confirmed five cases of allergy to cetearyl alcohol, but reactions to other chemical allergens also occurred in all of these cases.
A 1996 study of 140 people with suspected cosmetic contact dermatitis found that another commonly used fatty alcohol, oleyl alcohol, caused contact dermatitis in roughly 23 percent of those studied.
If you have sensitive skin or other allergies, it may be a good idea to perform a patch test with any product containing this ingredient.
Tell your doctor if you experience burning, blistering, swelling, stinging, redness, or irritation that persists or gets worse.
What is it?
Cetostearyl Alcohol (CH3(CH2)nOH) is a mixture of cetyl and stearyl alcohols that can come from vegetable or synthetic sources.
Cetostearyl alcohol is classified as a fatty alcohol. Cetostearyl alcohol is a white, waxy, solid material in the form of flakes.
Cetostearyl alcohol is oil soluble, but it is not water-soluble.
In the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industry, cetostearyl alcohol functions as an emulsion stabilizer; opacifying agent; surfactant - foam booster; and viscosity increasing agent.
Cetostearyl alcohol is often used in creams and lotions.
Cetostearyl alcohol has a melting point of 122°F (50°C) and a boiling point: 480.2°F (249°C)
INCI:Cetearyl alchohol
Charge:Non-Ionic
HLB:15.5
This product is derived from certified sustainable palm oil.
Cetostearyl alcohol also known as cetearyl alcohol or cetylstearyl alcohol is a mixture of fatty alcohols, consisting predominantly of cetyl and stearyl alcohols.
Cetostearyl alcohol is used as an emulsion stabilizer, opacifying agent, and foam boosting surfactant, as well as an aqueous and nonaqueous viscosity-increasing agent.
Cetostearyl alcohol imparts an emollient feel to the skin and can be used in water-in-oil emulsions, oil-in-water emulsions, and anhydrous formulations.
Cetostearyl alcohol is commonly used in hair conditioners and other hair products
This product is intended for external use only
What is Cetostearyl Alcohol?
Cetostearyl alcohol (also known as Cetearyl alcohol) is actually a mixture of cetyl (C16) and stearyl alcohols (C18).
Cetostearyl alcohol comes from the extraction of vegetable oils such as palm oil. It is a white, waxy solid at room temperature.
Cetostearyl alcohol is a nonionic surfactant and it is a common ingredient in skin care formulations where it can fulfill a variety of functions.
Cetostearyl alcohol can act as an emulsion stabilizer, a fragrance ingredient, an opacifying agent a surfactant/emulsifying agent, a surfactant/foam booster; and a viscosity increasing agent.
Is Cetearyl alcohol safe to use on my skin?
Cetostearyl alcohol is regarded as a low-risk skincare formulation ingredient and is safe to use on our skin1.
Cetearyl Alcohol is a mixture of cetyl and stearyl alcohols that can be derived naturally or synthetically.
Cetostearyl alcohol is a white, waxy solid. It acts as an emollient, texture enhancer, foam stabilizer.
Cetostearyl alcohol is widely used in cosmetics, especially in skin lotions and creams.
CETEARYL ALCOHOL is classified as :
Emollient
Emulsifying
Emulsion stabilising
Foam boosting
Opacifying
Surfactant
Viscosity controlling
CAS Number 67762-27-0 / 8005-44-5
EINECS/ELINCS No: 267-008-6 / -
COSING REF No: 75132
PHARMACEUTICAL EUROPEAN NAME: alcohol cetylicus et stearylicus
Chem/IUPAC Name: Alcohols, C16-18
Wilfarol fatty alcohols are derived from Palm Oil and Palm Kernel Oil.
Depending on customer requirements, they are available as broad, binary or pure cut fatty alcohols.
Common applications for fatty alcohols include personal care and home care products.
Depending on the grade / type of fatty alcohols, they are available in drums, IBCs, flexitank and bulk shipments.
Composition
Acid Value (mg KOH/g) : 0.1 Max
Saponification Value (mg KOH/g): 1.0 Max
Iodine Value (% I2absorbed): 1.0 Max
Hydroxyl Value (mgKOH/g): 210 - 225
Color (APHA): 10 Max
Moisture Content (%): 0.1 Max
Fatty Alcohol Content (%): 99 Min
Composition (%)
C12: 3 Max
C14:
C16: 45 - 55
C18: 45 - 55
Others: 3 Max
Product Form: Liquid; Bead
Packaging :Drum; ISO; Bulk; Bags
Details
An extremely common multitasker ingredient that gives your skin a nice soft feel (emollient) and gives body to creams and lotions.
Cetostearyl alcohol also helps to stabilize oil-water mixes (emulsions), though it does not function as an emulsifier in itself.
Cetostearyl alcohol typical use level in most cream type formulas is 2-3%.
It’s a so-called fatty alcohol, a mix of cetyl and stearyl alcohol, other two emollient fatty alcohols.
Though chemically speaking, it is alcohol (as in, it has an -OH group in its molecule), its properties are totally different from the properties of low molecular weight or drying alcohols such as denat. alcohol.
Fatty alcohols have a long oil-soluble (and thus emollient) tail part that makes them absolutely non-drying and non-irritating and are totally ok for the skin.
As much as we love skin care products, deciphering ingredient labels can get super confusing.
Case in point: Cetearyl alcohol, also known as cetostearyl alcohol, is frequently found in "alcohol-free" products. Wait...what?
Understandably, this can feel like a personal stab to your skin care-loving heart.
Don't be so quick to toss that product, though.
Cetearyl alcohol is a commonly misunderstood ingredient—and it's not as bad as you might think.
We have marked a distinct position in the market by providing a precisely engineered range of Cetostearyl Alcohol Granular.
Cetostearyl alcohol, cetearyl alcohol or cetylstearyl alcohol is a mixture of fatty alcohols consisting predominantly of cetyl (16 C) and stearyl alcohols (18 C) and is classified as a fatty alcohol.
Get Best price of 99% pure 20 kg bag of Cetostearyl Alcohol CAS No. 67762-27-0, CH3(CH2)nOH.
Uses:
Cetostearyl alcohol is used as emulsion stabilizer & foam boosting surfactant.
Cetostearyl alcohol are mainly used in the production of detergents and surfactants
Cetostearyl alcohol are components also of cosmetics & foods
Cetostearyl alcohol find use as co-emulsifiers, emollients and thickeners in cosmetics and food industry
Hazards:
Wear suitable protective clothing
Can cause soreness & redness
Cetostearyl alcohol can cause mild irritation to the contact area
There may be irritation of the throat with the feeling of tightness in the chest
Cetearyl Alcohol is a vegetable sourced fatty alcohol derived from sustainable palm and coconut oil fatty alcohols (cetyl and stearyl alcohol) used to thicken and stabilize formulations.
Cetearyl Alcohol imparts an emollient feel to the skin.
Cetostearyl alcohol can be used in water-in-oil emulsions, oil-in-water emulsions, and anhydrous formulations--cream, lotion, ointment, body butter, salt scrubs.
Our manufacturer is a full-fledged member of the Roundtable for Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) and they are in the process of obtaining Mass Balance Certification on this product.
Compositional Breakdown:
30% Cetyl Alcohol
70% Stearyl Alcohol
INCI: Cetearyl Alcohol
If you actively avoid beauty products that contain drying and sensitizing alcohols, you might feel disappointed (or at the very least, confused) when you pick up a bottle labeled “alcohol-free,” then flip to the back and see “cetearyl alcohol” right there listed under the ingredients.
If we were to guess, you've experienced that exact scenario once or twice before, which is what lead you to this article.
We, too, have been baffled by beauty product labels, so we went straight to the experts to demystify the beauty ingredient commonly found in your skincare products.
Dermatologists Francesa Fusco, MD, of Wexler Dermatology and Sejal Shah, MD, FAAD of Smarter Skin Dermatology answer all of your biggest questions about cetearyl alcohol below so you're never left wondering about your products again.
What Is Cetearyl Alcohol?
Cetearyl alcohol is a waxy substance that's derived naturally from plants, like palm oil or coconut oil, but can also be synthesized in a lab. Fusco says theoretically, it could be used in any product that you apply to your skin or hair and is commonly found in creams, lotions, moisturizers, and shampoos.
When used in cosmetic products, cetearyl alcohol acts as an emulsifier and stabilizer and prevents products from separating.
According to Shah, cetearyl alcohol can also appear on a label under a few different names, for example, C16-18 alcohol or cetostearyl alcohol.
Benefits of Cetearyl Alcohol for Skin?
Cetearyl alcohol is not an ingredient that’s used for its actual effects on the skin but more so for the composition and function of the product as a whole, according to Shah.
Prevents separation of products: Fusco says as an emulsifier, cetearyl alcohol is predominantly used in products to stabilize them so that when you apply the formulas to your skin or hair, they don't separate and they apply cosmetically well.
Encourages even application: By keeping the product from separating, it may help with the application of a product and as a result, the overall effectiveness of it. Fusco uses the example of sunscreen to further explain this point.
"Let’s say the zinc oxide in a sunscreen separates from whatever the inactive ingredient is," she says.
"You might not get the sunscreen protection you hoped you’d get because the product didn’t mix evenly and can’t spread evenly."
Thickens formulas: Shah says it's used as a thickening agent in products to enhance the texture and feel.
Softens the skin: Though this is not the primary reason for including cetearyl alcohol in a product, Shah says because it has a fatty component to it and is derived from oils, it does have an emollient property and may soften and smooth the skin.
Cetearyl Alcohol vs. Sensitizing Alcohols
Although an alcohol by definition, cetearyl alcohol is not the same as the traditional alcohols known for drying and sensitizing the skin.
"In chemistry, things are named by their chemical structure and the elements that make them up," Shah explains.
"And automatically, when you have an oxygen and a hydrogen attached together, that makes anything an alcohol.
But it’s the other components of it that determine how it’s going to really function."
She goes on to explain that in cetearyl alcohol, the alcohol group is attached to a long chain of fats, and that long chain of fats balances it out, makes it less harsh on your skin, and allows it to be more of an emollient.
"Alcohol simply refers to a chemical that has an -OH group on it," Fusco adds.
"It doesn’t mean that every alcohol is going to irritate you or strip your skin or be bad for you."
Cetostearyl alcohol other words, you can finally take a deep breath knowing that you don't have to toss out every product that contains cetearyl alcohol.
Side Effects of Cetearyl Alcohol
Although there have been a limited number of people with allergic contact dermatitis, the risk for an allergic reaction is small, and both dermatologists say cetearyl alcohol is safe to use in cosmetic products and is overall considered a non-irritating ingredient.
"Shampoos, conditioners, face cleansers—you're going to rinse them off, so there's not a whole lot of contact time between these products," Fusco says.
"And I haven’t come across anything that indicates that if there’s a significant absorption, that there would be a problem."
If you are generally sensitive or prone to skin allergies, Shah recommends using caution, as with any other ingredient.
How to Use It
Because the ingredient is present in so many different types of products, there's no set guideline for its use.
And according to both dermatologists, cetearyl alcohol is not an ingredient with a limitation on it in terms of how often it can be used.
Cetyl Stearyl Alcohol is a fatty alcohol used as an emollient and thickening agent in skin creams and lotions.
Fatty alcohols can be natural, derived from plant-based oils like palm or coconut, or they can be synthetic.
They act as emulsifiers, emollients, viscosity controllers and dispersants.
They function as chemical intermediates, most often used in surfactants to enhance foaming and cleaning properties in detergents and cleaners.
COMPANY
With a 75-year history of innovation and growth, Acme-Hardesty has evolved into a leading distributor of bio-based products and specialty ingredients for the Personal Care industry.
Our dedicated personal care team offers formulations expertise paired with a rapidly growing product portfolio, allowing us to partner with our customers and develop innovative solutions to their formulation challenges.
From hair care to skin care and everything in between, the ingredients Acme-Hardesty provides are essential for manufacturing quality personal care products.
IS CETOSTEARYL ALCOHOL FOR GOOD FOR HAIR?
Most of the time it happens that whenever you go to the supermarket to purchase a skincare product or a haircare product you happen to scroll through the list of ingredients mentioned on the label.
I am sure many a time you may have come across the word alcohol-free on the label of your skincare or haircare products and when you scroll through the list you are very disappointed to see the word cetostearyl alcohol mentioned among the list of ingredients.
Yes, this is indeed very confusing.
Many people are under the misconception that Cetostearyl Alcohol will also have the same drying effect on your skin and hair just like any other rubbing alcohol. But actually it’s not true with Cetostearyl Alcohol.
Not all alcohols have a drying and dehydrating effect on your skin and hair, some alcohols such as cetostearyl alcohol have moisturizing and a conditioning effect on your hair and skin.
You don’t have to be terrified every time you come across the word - alcohol in your beauty products.
You may be curious about cetostearyl alcohol and wanting to know more about this latest beauty ingredient.
Keep reading to know more about its beauty benefits and how can it be effectively added to your daily hair care regime to enhance the beauty and health of your hair and scalp.
WHAT IS CETOSTEARYL ALCOHOL?
Cetostearyl Alcohol is a common ingredient which is mostly found in your favourite beauty products.
Unlike other alcohols, Cetostearyl alcohol does not have a drying effect on your skin and hair.
Instead it helps to keep your skin and hair moisturized and nourished making it soft, smooth and shiny.
This alcohol is derived from vegetable oils such as coconut oil and palm oil, hence it is also known as Palmityl Alcohol.
Cetostearyl alcohol is interesting to note that the name Cetostearyl Alcohol is derived from the Latin word Cetus, meaning whale oil, from which it was obtained for the first time.
Cetostearyl Alcohol is a white, waxy substance which is available in pallets and is made by the combination of 2 fatty alcohols such as cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol.
Cetostearyl alcohol is a common name in many cosmetic products such as shampoos, conditioners, creams, lotions and moisturizers.
Cetostearyl Alcohol acts as an emulsifier and a stabilizer, preventing products from separating.
Cetostearyl alcohol many of your favourite skincare and haircare products, it is mostly found in the list of ingredients under the name of Cetearyl alcohol, but it may appear under other names also such as-
C16-18 alcohols
(C16-C18) alkyl alcohol
Alcohols, C1618
Cetyl/Stearyl alcohol
1-octadecanol, mixed with 1-hexadecanol
The ingredient is the same, only the names are changing, so you don’t have to be worried when you see the above-mentioned names instead of Cetostearyl Alcohol mentioned on the list of the ingredients of your beauty products.
HOW DOES CETOSTEARYL ALCOHOL WORK?
Cetostearyl Alcohol is added to most of the personal care products for good reasons.
Cetostearyl alcohol helps to stabilize the formulations of your skincare and haircare products.
This multi-purpose beauty ingredient has numerous roles to play in the cosmetic formulations as it acts as an emulsifier, as an emollient, as an opacifier, as a thickener and as a carrier of other ingredients in the formula.
The emulsifying property ensures that the oil and water molecules do not separate, giving an ideal smooth finish and texture to the formulation.
The emollient property of Cetostearyl Alcohol in the formulation is responsible for making your skin/hair soft and smooth.
Cetostearyl Alcohol acts as an opacifier, making the product opaque in appearance.
Cetostearyl alcohol adds thickness to the creams, moisturizers and lotions, giving a thick and creamy texture to the personal care products.
Cetostearyl alcohol also acts as a carrier of other ingredients by aiding the penetration of other ingredients as it gets easily absorbed into the deeper layers of the skin.
Due to these incredible properties, Cetostearyl Alcohol is used extensively in many skincare products such as face washes, creams, body lotions and moisturizers and in hair care products such as shampoos, conditioners, hair mousses, hair removal creams and hair dyes.
Cetostearyl alcohol adds to the thickness and volume, thereby enhancing the texture, appearance of the formulae on your skin and hair.
BENEFITS OF CETOSTEARYL ALCOHOL FOR YOUR HAIR
Cetostearyl Alcohol is known to be quite beneficial in treating dry, dull and thin hair, because of its immense hydrating, smoothening and nourishing properties, it readily helps your hair to bounce back to becoming healthy, luscious and beautiful.
Cetostearyl alcohol emulsifying and emollient properties make it a key ingredient in many personal care formulae.
This helps to make your hair soft, smooth and adds volume to your hair.
Cetostearyl alcohol helps to treat a major part of your hair problems. Let us know the benefits of Cetostearyl Alcohol for your hair.
Cetostearyl Alcohol fights hair dryness and helps to keep your hair moisturized.
Cetostearyl alcohol controls the frizz and makes your hair more manageable.
Cetostearyl Alcohol in hair care formulation helps to increase the foam-forming ability of the product, thereby improving its spreadability.
Cetostearyl Alcohol has a conditioning effect on your hair making your hair more soft and smooth.
Cetostearyl Alcohol acts as an opacifier, giving an opaque appearance to your hair care products
Cetostearyl alcohol helps to detangle your hair making your combing session hassle-free.
Cetostearyl alcohol helps to increase the viscosity of hair care products.
Apart from Cetearyl or Cetostearyl Alcohol, other alcohols which are effectively used in skincare and haircare formulae are cetyl alcohol, lanolin, lauryl alcohol, myristyl alcohol, oleyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol.
BAD ALCOHOLS IN HAIR CARE PRODUCTS
All alcohols are not created in the same way.
Some alcohols are good for your hair as it helps to make your hair soft and smooth and other alcohols tend to dry out your hair.
If your hair is already dry and brittle, then avoid hair care products which have the below-mentioned alcohols in their list of ingredients.
Isopropyl Alcohol
Propanol
Propyl Alcohol
SD Alcohol 40
SD Alcohol 40B
SD Alcohol 38B
SD Alcohol 39B
SD Alcohol 40-2
Denatured Alcohol
Alcohol Denat
Ethyl Alcohol
Ethanol
These alcohols are preferably used in an aerosol spray which is used in hair styling.
When your hair is styled, you do not need a hair product which moisturizes your strands as it will interfere with your hairstyle.
You just need a hair spray to keep your style intact for a longer time.
Alcohol tends to dry out quickly and hence is used in hair styling sprays to give firm support to your styled hair.
HOW TO USE CETOSTEARYL ALCOHOL ON YOUR HAIR?
Cetostearyl Alcohol is known to have a moisturizing and a smoothing effect on your hair and hence readily used in numerous hair care products.
Cetostearyl alcohol is known to add spreadability to your hair care product so that it glides through your hair making it easier to detangle and combing becomes easier.
Cetostearyl alcohol makes your hair soft and smooth and improves the texture of your hair, leaving your hair hydrated and nourished.
Because of these beneficial properties, Cetostearyl Alcohol has become the key ingredient in many shampoos, conditioners, hair mousses and hair dyes.
Every alternate day you can shampoo your hair which has cetostearyl alcohol in its ingredient list.
Similarly use a conditioner which has Cetearyl alcohol to make your hair stay hydrated for a longer time.
You can also condition and style your hair with a hair mousse which has cetostearyl alcohol in the ingredient list.
SIDE EFFECTS OF CETOSTEARYL ALCOHOL
You must have seen people being shocked when you talk about using alcohol on your hair.
Alcohols are considered to have a drying effect on your hair.
But there are exceptions to this as well.
And one such example is Cetostearyl Alcohol which is known to be an emollient and makes your hair soft and smooth, thereby improving its texture and appearance.
Generally, Cetostearyl Alcohol is known to be non-toxic and does not have any damaging effect on your skin and hair, hence used extensively in many cosmetic products. In the skincare range, Cetostearyl alcohol is used in soaps, creams, moisturizers, body lotion because of its emollient property and because it adds thickness to the skincare formulae. But some people with sensitive skin may experience an allergic reaction to cetostearyl alcohol.
So if you have sensitive skin, then it is always advisable to perform a patch test, before applying it for the first time.
Wait for 24 hours and check for any allergic reactions.
Common side effects of Cetostearyl Alcohol include itchiness, skin irritation, redness, swelling, stinging, blistering and burning.
Cetostearyl alcohol the allergic symptoms persist, you should immediately consult a doctor.
Cetostearyl alcohol is always advisable for pregnant women and nursing mothers to avoid Cetostearyl alcohol products.
Cetostearyl alcohol should only be used for external use.
Store the product in a cool, dry place which is inaccessible to children.
Choose your personal care products with the utmost care, as each individual’s hair type is different and it reacts differently to different beauty products. Choose a beauty product depending upon the type and texture of your hair and skin. Only choosing the right product will give you the desired effect.
Table of Contents
What Is Cetearyl alcohol?
What Does Cetearyl alcohol Do in Our products?
Why Puracy Uses Cetearyl alcohol
How Cetearyl alcohol Is Made
Certifications
Sources
We Use Vegetable cetearyl alcohol in Our:
Derived from: coconut palm tree
Pronunciation: (SA-teer-l /al-kuh-hawl/)
Type: Naturally-derived
What Is Cetearyl alcohol?
Cetearyl alcohol is a flaky, waxy, white solid that is a combination of cetyl and stearyl alcohols, which occur naturally in plants and animals.
Cetyl and stearyl alcohols are often derived from coconut, palm, corn, or soy vegetable oil, typically from coconut palm trees, palm trees, corn plants, or soy plants.
Cetearyl alcohol is used in hundreds of personal care, cosmetic, and household products, such as makeup, bath soap, detergents, shaving cream, moisturizer, shampoo, and other products.
What Does Cetearyl alcohol Do in Our products?
Cetearyl alcohol acts as a moisturizer in our products by helping bind moisture to the skin.
Cetostearyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol and can also act as an emulsifier, giving proper texture to our products.
In addition, it can be an emollient, keep things from separating, control how thick or runny a product is, act as a coupling agent, and even stabilize foams.
Why Puracy Uses Cetearyl alcohol
We use cetearyl alcohol in our products as a moisturizer.
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review has deemed cetearyl alcohol safe in cosmetic ingredients.
Whole Foods has deemed the ingredient acceptable in its body care quality standards.
At least one study also shows cetearyl alcohol does not irritate eyes or sensitize human skin.
How Cetearyl alcohol Is Made
Cetearyl alcohol is a combination of cetyl and stearyl alcohols.
Stearyl alcohol is manufactured by transesterification and distillation of coconut or palm kernel oil using a methanol and a zinc catalyst, followed by hydrogenating the resulting methyl esters using a copper catalyst.
Cetostearyl alcohol catalysts are removed during the fractional distillation phases, so there are little or no metals in the final product.
Cetyl alcohol is manufactured by reducing ethyl palmitate (the waxy ester of palmitic acid) with metallic sodium and alcohol or under acidic conditions with lithium aluminum hydride as a catalyst.
Cetostearyl alcohol final product melts at a temperature higher than that of the human body, which makes it useful for makeup and other things that are warmed by the skin.
Cetyl alcohol, also known as 1-hexadecanol or n-hexadecyl alcohol, is a 16-C fatty alcohol with the chemical formula CH3(CH2)15OH.
Cetostearyl alcohol can be produced from the reduction of palmitic acid.
Cetyl alcohol is present in a waxy white powder or flake form at room temperature, and is insoluble in water and soluble in alcohols and oils.
Discovered by Chevrenl in 1913, cetyl alcohol is one of the oldest known long-chain alcohol.
Cetostearyl alcohol may be contained in cosmetic and personal care products such as shampoos, creams and lotions.
Mainly it is used as an opacifier, emulsifier, and thickening agent that alter the thickness of the liquid, and increase and stabilize the foaming capacity.
Due to its water-binding property, cetyl alcohol is commonly used as an emollient that prevents drying and chapping of the skin.
According to the FDA Code of Federal Regulations, cetyl alcohol is a safe synthetic fatty acid in food and in the synthesis of food components under the condition that it contain not less than 98 percent of total alcohols and not less than 94 percent of straight chain alcohols.
Cetyl alcohol is also listed in the OTC ingredient list as a skin protectant for skin irritations caused by poison ivy, oak, sumac, and insect bites or stings .
Cetyl alcohol is reported to be a mild skin or eye irritant.
The most people the word 'alcohol' means ethanol, i.e. the clear, colourless, volatile liquid that is found in alcoholic beverages, and which is produced by the fermentation of sugars with yeast.
When ethanol is used in skin and hair care products it can have a drying effect, and also acts as a solvent enabling otherwise inactive substances to cross the skin/blood barrier and enter the body.
For these two reasons Green People completely avoids the use of ethanol in its personal care products.
WHAT IS AN ALCOHOL?
In chemistry terms, the word 'alcohol' is used to describe any compound which contains an Oxygen/Hydrogen pairing (-OH group) at one end of its molecule.
Such compounds are very common in nature, and their names often end in the letters 'ol'.
Examples of such alcohols include tocopherol (Vitamin E), retinol (Vitamin A) and cholesterol.
These alcohols are often thick oils or solid fats, and many are essential for human health, e.g. the fat soluble vitamins.
CETYL ALCOHOL AND CETEARYL ALCOHOL
Another group of alcohols found in nature are the fatty alcohols, which are derived from saturated vegetable fats such as coconut oil and palm oil.
These have the appearance of solid white fatty waxes and are beneficial to both skin and hair, containing fatty acids that are highly compatible with human cell physiology.
Examples include Cetyl alcohol and Cetearyl alcohol, the latter of which we use in our hair conditioners for its nourishing and emollient properties.
As the above examples hopefully illustrate, many different compounds make up the group known as 'alcohols', and different alcohols possess widely differing properties.
Some alcohols can have potentially harmful effects (i.e. ethanol) and must be used with caution in personal care products, whereas others (i.e. cetearyl alcohol) are beneficial and are used as very effective nourishing and conditioning agents.
Description: All-purpose thickening agent. NF grade, 95% active components. Composed of fatty alcohols, 70:30 ratio.
C18 weight percentage stearyl alcohol 60-75% and C16 weight percentage cetyl alcohol 25-35%.
HLB 15.5 (creates oil-in-water emulsions but only to a limited degree).
White flakes or pastilles, mild characteristic odor. Not soluble in water. Partially soluble in alcohol.
CAS: 67762-27-0
INCI Name: Cetearyl alcohol
Benefits:
Non-gelling thickener, viscosity and consistency enhancer
Works also in water-free products like lipsticks
Acts as co-emulsifier at concentrations under 2%
Has emollient, moisturizing, and foam boosting properties
Use: Melt before use (54°C/129°F) or add to hot water phase. Usual concentration 0.5-10%. For external use only.
Applications: Lotions, creams, hair shampoos, conditioners, body washes, makeup products.
Country of Origin: USA
Raw material source: Coconut oil and vegetable oils
Manufacture: Cetearyl alcohol is a mixture of the fatty alcohols cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol which are made by catalytic hydrogenation of the triglycerides obtained from vegetable and coconut oils and followed by oxidation of a chain growth product of ethylene oligomerized on a triethylaluminum catalyst.
Animal Testing: Not animal tested
GMO: Not tested for GMOs
Vegan: Does not contain animal-derived components
What Is It?
Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, Myristyl Alcohol and Behenyl Alcohol are white, waxy solids.
Isostearyl Alcohol is a clear liquid. Cetyl Alcohol and Stearyl Alcohol are the two major components of Cetearyl Alcohol.
Cetostearyl alcohol ingredients are all fatty alcohols and that are widely used in cosmetics and personal care products, especially in skin lotions and creams.
Why is it used in cosmetics and personal care products?
Cetearyl Alcohol and the other fatty alcohols keep an emulsion from separating into its oil and liquid components.
Cetostearyl alcohol ingredients are also used to alter the thickness of liquid products and to increase foaming capacity or to stabilize foams.
Scientific Facts:
Cetearyl, Cetyl, Myristyl and Behenyl Alcohols are straight-chain alcohols. Isostearyl Alcohol is a branched chain alcohol.
Cetearyl Alcohol is a mixture of mostly of Cetyl and Stearyl Alcohols, which are fatty alcohols that occur naturally in small quantities in plants and animals.
Myristyl Alcohol is a 14 carbon chain. Cetyl Alcohol has 16 carbons, while Stearyl and Isostearyl Alcohols have 18 carbons.
Behenyl Alcohol is the largest fatty alcohol in this group with 22 carbons.
Cetostearyl alcohol structure of a stable O/W cream is characterized by a more or less pronounced mixed crystal bilayer.
Cetostearyl alcohol addition of co-emulsifiers in order to achieve a soft formulation often leads to a mixed crystal bilayer network of high viscosity and even phase separation.
In order to ovoid this components of different chemical identities are used which often are not inert or harmless if they are absorbed.
For this reason it seems to be interesting to use only components from one chemical family, e.g. to use only glycerides and their derivatives because in the case of absorption they are metabolized.
Cetostearyl alcohol disadvantages of glyceride creams are, however, their low viscosity.
Cetostearyl alcohol aim of this investigation was to find the optimum amount of co-emulsifier as consistency excipient for the basic formulation of an O/W glyceride cream.
This was achieved by using differential scanning calorimetry; thermogravimetry, oscillation rheology and various stress tests.
The amount of co-emulsifier used should not be too high, as it would crystallize increasingly during storage which gives the preparation an optical inhomogenity and a lack in softness which is needed for a suitable cosmetic acceptance.
A slightly higher concentration than is necessary for the mixed emulsifier system can be advantageous, as the formation of a separate crystalline lipophilic network in the preparation increases its viscosity which will lead to a higher physico-chemical stability of the formulation.
These results were obtained with the co-emulsifiers glyceryl monostearate (Imwitor® 900), cetylstearyl alcohol (Lanette® O), and PEG-20-glycerolstearate (Tagat® S2) as O/W emulsifier.
As oil phase a mixture of Miglyol® 812 (caprylic/capric triglyceride) and Avocado oil was used.
Cetostearyl Alcohol NF
Chemical description
Cetostearyl Alcohol
Product description
Emulsion stabiliser, co-emulsifier and viscosity increasing agent that provides an emollient skin feel.
Recommended topical usage levels of 2-30%.
Pharmacopoeia compliance
FDA-IIG listed
PhEur
USP/NF
Cetearyl Alcohol at a Glance
Fatty alcohol with emollient (softening/smoothing) properties for skin
Known to be gentle and safe (unlike skin-damaging/drying forms of alcohol such as SD or denatured)
May also be used to alter the thickness of a formula or influence the foaming capacity of a cleanser
Can be derived naturally, as in coconut fatty alcohol, or made synthetically
As a raw material, it is a white, waxy solid (often in flake form)
Cetearyl Alcohol Description
Cetearyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol that is a mixture of cetyl and stearyl alcohols.
It can be derived naturally, as in coconut fatty alcohol, or made synthetically.
Unlike the skin-aggravating/drying forms of alcohol (typically listed as SD alcohol, denatured alcohol, or isopropyl alcohol), cetearyl alcohol is an emollient that is gentle, safe, and good for skin.
Beyond cetearyl alcohol’s emollient ability to provide a softening and smoothing effect, it is also used as a carrying agent for other ingredients.
Additionally, it can be used to alter the thickness of a formula or to influence the foaming capacity of a cleanser.
Cetostearyl alcohol is almost always combined with similar-feeling ingredients to create a product’s texture and slip sensation when applied to skin.
According to the U.S. FDA, cosmetic products labeled "alcohol free" are allowed to contain cetearyl alcohol, because the effects are so different from skin-damaging forms of alcohol.
We repeat: fatty alcohols like cetearyl alcohol do not pose a risk of sensitizing or drying out your skin.
As a raw material, cetearyl alcohol is a white, waxy solid (often in flake form).
It is not soluble in water but is soluble in alcohol and oils.
In the majority of skin care formulas, cetearyl alcohol is present in under a 5% concentration, although higher amounts are permissible.
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review has a long history of recognizing cetearyl alcohol as safe in the present practices of use.
Cetyl Stearyl Alcohol (Cetearyl) is a blend of cetyl and stearyl fatty alcohols, and is used as to add viscosity and and as a stabiliser in creams and lotions.
Cetyl Stearyl Alcohol is also used as a co-emulsifier and imparts emollient feel and lubricity to the skin.
Cetyl Stearyl Alcohol is suitable for us in Creams, Lotions, Balms, Body Butters, Anhydrous Scrubs and Solid Conditioning Bars.
Cetyl Stearyl Alcohol is highly compatible with Conditioning Emulsifier and Veg-Emulse, but can be used with all our emuslifiers.
Usage Range: 1 - 25%
HLB: 15.5
Natural Vegetable Source
Country of Origin: Germany
Cetyl alcohol, also known as 1-hexadecanol and palmityl alcohol, is a common ingredient in a variety of personal care products and cosmetics.
It is derived from vegetable oils such as palm or coconut oil.
In personal care products like skin lotions and creams, cetyl alcohol serves as a thickening agent and emulsifier, to help keep product ingredients from separating. Because cetyl alcohol melts at temperatures higher than the average human body temperature, it is useful in cosmetic products like lipsticks, helping lip color adhere to the skin.
Cetyl alcohol is also a multipurpose food additive, used as a flavoring agent or in food decorations.
For example, cetyl alcohol is an ingredient in colorful lettering or pictures on some types of candy or gum.
In industrial applications, cetyl alcohol is a primary ingredient in fuels, chemical intermediates and plasticizers and is used as a lubricant for nuts and bolts in manufacturing applications.
For nearly 30 years, a Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) expert scientific panel has stated that cetyl alcohol is safe for use as cosmetic ingredients.
In 2005, CIR considered available new data and reaffirmed its original safety conclusion.
A small percentage of people may experience contact allergies (red or inflamed skin) from exposure to emulsifier ingredients like cetyl alcohol in lotions or creams.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has deemed cetyl alcohol can be used safely as both a direct and indirect food additive.
Why is cetyl alcohol in cosmetics?
Cetyl alcohol acts as a binding agent, helping the various ingredients in many moisturizers, lotions and creams bind together, which helps enable smooth application.
Is cetyl alcohol “alcohol free”?
Products labeled “alcohol free” may still contain cetyl alcohol, or other fatty alcohols such as stearyl, cetearyl or lanolin alcohol.
The term “alcohol,” used by itself, generally refers to ethanol (also known as ethyl alcohol or grain alcohol).
What is the difference between cetearyl alcohol and cetyl alcohol?
Cetyl alcohol is an ingredient in cetearyl alcohol, which is a mixture of cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol.
This medication is used as a moisturizer to treat or prevent dry, rough, scaly, itchy skin and minor skin irritations (e.g., diaper rash, skin burns from radiation therapy).
Emollients are substances that soften and moisturize the skin and decrease itching and flaking.
Some products (e.g., zinc oxide, white petrolatum) are used mostly to protect the skin against irritation (e.g., from wetness).
Dry skin is caused by a loss of water in the upper layer of the skin.
Emollients/moisturizers work by forming an oily layer on the top of the skin that traps water in the skin.
Petrolatum, lanolin, mineral oil and dimethicone are common emollients.
Humectants, including glycerin, lecithin, and propylene glycol, draw water into the outer layer of skin.
Many products also have ingredients that soften the horny substance (keratin) that holds the top layer of skin cells together (including urea, alpha hydroxy acids such as lactic/citric/glycolic acid, and allantoin). This helps the dead skin cells fall off, helps the skin keep in more water, and leaves the skin feeling smoother and softer.
How to use Cetyl Alcohol Lotion
Use this product as directed. Some products require priming before use.
Follow all directions on the product package.
If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Some products need to be shaken before use. Check the label to see if you should shake the bottle well before using.
Apply to the affected areas of the skin as needed or as directed on the label or by your doctor.
How often you apply the medication will depend on the product and your skin condition.
To treat dry hands, you may need to use the product every time you wash your hands, applying it throughout the day.
If you are using this product to help treat diaper rash, clean the diaper area well before use and allow the area to dry before applying the product.
If you are using this product to help treat radiation skin burns, check with radiation personnel to see if your brand can be applied before radiation therapy.
Follow all the directions on the label for proper use. Apply to the skin only.
Avoid sensitive areas such as your eyes, inside your mouth/nose, and the vaginal/groin area, unless the label or your doctor directs you otherwise.
Check the label for directions about any areas or types of skin where you should not apply the product (e.g., on the face, any areas of broken/chapped/cut/irritated/scraped skin, or on a recently shaved area of the skin).
Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it.
Most moisturizers need water to work well.
Apply the product after bathing/showering while the skin is still damp.
For very dry skin, your doctor may instruct you to soak the area before using the product.
Long, hot, or frequent bathing/washing can worsen dry skin.
If your condition persists or worsens, or if you think you may have a serious medical problem, seek immediate medical attention.
Summary
Cetyl alcohol/cetearyl alcohol is a component of most topical medicament creams and cosmetic creams.
The prevalence of cetearyl alcohol allergy is higher in leg ulcer patients, as one might expect from a potential topical medicament allergen.
The risk of allergic contact dermatitis to cetearyl alcohol increases with the use of multiple topical medicaments.
Cetearyl alcohol is a mixture of two solid long-chain aliphatic fatty alcohols which are cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol.
Cetyl alcohol can penetrate inflamed skin more readily than the longer-chained stearyl alcohol.
Cetearyl alcohol is an important allergen amongst patients with stasis eczema and leg ulcers.
The risk of developing cetearyl alcohol allergy seems to increase with polypharmacy.
As cetearyl alcohol is usually considered part of the base, manufacturers may not include it in the product labeling.
Cetyl alcohol allergic patients generally have positive patch test reactions to stearyl alcohol
Cetearyl alcohol belongs to the family of fatty alcohols.
Cetostearyl alcohol is used as emollient.
Cetostearyl alcohol helps to thicken the creams and stabilize them.
Cetostearyl alcohol softens and protects the skin without oily effect.
Cetearyl alcohol contains mainly cetyl alcohol (Cetyl alcohol) and stearyl alcohol (Stearyl alcohol).
Cetostearyl alcohol is authorized in organic.
The CIR (Cosmetic Ingredient Review) in an annual report published in 2008, concluded the safety of fatty alcohols.
Cetostearyl alcohol functions (INCI)
Emollient : Softens and smoothes the skin
Emulsifying : Promotes the formation of intimate mixtures between immiscible liquids by modifying the interfacial tension (water and oil)
Emulsion stabilising : Promotes the emulsification process and improves the stability and shelf life of the emulsion
Foam boosting : Improves the quality of the foam produced by a system by increasing one or more of the following properties: volume, texture and/or stability
Opacifying : Reduces transparency or translucency of cosmetics
Surfactant : Reduces the surface tension of cosmetics and contributes to the even distribution of the product when it is used
Viscosity controlling : Increases or decreases the viscosity of cosmetics
Cetyl stearyl alcohol is a multi-purpose, vegetable-derived blend of cetyl and stearyl fatty alcohol that is commonly used as an emollient, emulsifier, and thickener in skincare formulations. It comes in a waxy, white solid substance that can be melted for various purposes.
As an emulsifier, it keeps the oil and water from separating, thus allowing them to mix whilst as a thickener, it helps to change the viscosity, add shape, and increase a product’s foaming capacity such as in lotions and shampoos.
Cetearyl alcohol is not actually an 'alcohol', like the ethyl alcohol that we know to be drying on the skin but is in fact a conditioner that helps to soften skin and hair.
Cetostearyl alcohol is not a liquid that most people can initially think of, rather it is a mixture of pastilles and irregular, waxy flakes.
Consequently, it has become a valuable addition to a multitude of applications including commercial and homemade moisturisers, shampoo/conditioner, and facial cleansers.
In moisturisers, the emollient properties found in this product help build an oily layer that traps water molecules in the skin.
As it is known, dry skin can be caused by low air moisture, irregular weather changes, and more.
This makes the skin to appear dull and less radiant.
With cetearyl alcohol in your homemade products, you can be confident that not only your skin will reap all the beauty benefits but is also safe from the damaging effects of mass-produced cosmetic products.
Most people tend to confuse cetyl alcohol and cetyl stearyl alcohol. To break this down, both alcohols may come from fat and may be used as a thickener and emulsifier, however, what sets them apart is that cetyl alcohol provides more enhanced viscosity-forming effects and provides a better penetration with other ingredients in the formulation.
Cetyl alcohol has more benefits but is more priced so cetyl stearyl alcohol offers a cheaper alternative for applications that do not require the rigour.
When storing this product, it is important to keep it in a tightly closed container in a cool, dry location.
Temperatures over 32 degrees Celsius may cause the wax to coagulate.
CAUTION: Do not mix cetearyl alcohol with other ingredients containing ceteareth-20 as it may promote the formation of blackheads.
USES OF CETEARYL ALCOHOL IN SKIN CARE
Moisturisers
Facial creams
Body lotions
Sunscreens
Homemade shampoos
Hair conditioners
Leave-on hair mask
Homemade hair dye
Ingredients: Stearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol
INCI Name: Cetearyl Alcohol
CAS Number: 67762-27-0 / 8005-44-5
Origin: This ingredient sold alone is currently always palm derived.
Description: Oil soluble pellets/ flakes.
Cetearyl Alcohol is actually a blend of cetyl and stearyl alcohol which are both naturally derived from mixed vegetable sources.
Application: Emulsion stabiliser, structurising agent, emollient (for soft, melting texture if used at correct levels - too much will make the product very waxy).
Oil soluble - heat and melt in the oil phase.
Melting Point: 48-56C
Use Levels: 0.2-1.5% typically.
In an emulsion cetearyl alcohol is generally used at around 0.5% to help improve the structure and stability of the oil phase while giving a good skin feel.
It can also be used up to 15% in a hair conditioner formula to give slip and increase viscosity.
Benefits: This all-natural ingredient helps to stabilise your product and can also improve the skin feel and texture.
Cetostearyl alcohol has a low odour and colour which makes it suitable for a wide range of applications.
Cetostearyl alcohol works well with non-ionic, anionic and cationic primary emulsifiers to build a strong and cosmetically appealing emulsion.
Synonyms:
Cetearyl alcohol
67762-27-0
UNII-2DMT128M1S
Cetyl/stearyl alcohol
2DMT128M1S
8005-44-5
Cetostearyl alcohol [NF]
Lanette O
EINECS 267-008-6
Ceto/Stearyl Alcohol
EC 267-008-6
hexadecan-1-ol;octadecan-1-ol
SCHEMBL1091511
Cetyl-Stearyl Alcohol (50/50)
Cetyl Alcohol: Stearyl Alcohol: Cetearyl Alcohol
Cetostearyl alcohol, Cetylstearyl alcohol, Cetyl/stearyl alcohol
