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EC / List no.: 253-149-0
CAS no.: 36653-82-4
Mol. formula: C16H34O
Palmityl alcohol, also known as hexadecan-1-ol and Cetyl alcohol /ˈsiːtəl/ , is a C-16 fatty alcohol with the formula CH3(CH2)15OH.
At room temperature, Palmityl Alcohol takes the form of a waxy white solid or flakes.
The name cetyl derives from the whale oil (cetacea oil, from Latin: cetus, lit. 'whale', from Ancient Greek: κῆτος, romanized: kētos, lit. 'huge fish' from which it was first isolated
Preparation
Palmityl Alcohol was discovered in 1817 by the French chemist Michel Chevreul when he heated spermaceti, a waxy substance obtained from sperm whale oil, with caustic potash (potassium hydroxide).
Flakes of Palmityl Alcohol were left behind on cooling.
Modern production is based around the reduction of palmitic acid, which is obtained from palm oil.
Uses:
Palmityl Alcohol is used in the cosmetic industry as an opacifier in shampoos, or as an emollient, emulsifier or thickening agent in the manufacture of skin creams and lotions.
Palmityl Alcohol is also employed as a lubricant for nuts and bolts, and is the active ingredient in some "liquid pool covers" (forming a non-volatile surface layer to reduce water evaporation, related latent vaporization heat loss, and thus to retain heat in the pool).
Moreover, it can also be used as a non-ionic co-surfactant in emulsion applications.
Cetyl alcohol, also known as 1-hexadecanol and palmityl alcohol, is a common ingredient in a variety of personal care products and cosmetics.
Palmityl Alcohol is derived from vegetable oils such as palm or coconut oil.
In personal care products like skin lotions and creams, Palmityl Alcohol serves as a thickening agent and emulsifier, to help keep product ingredients from separating.
Because Palmityl 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.
Palmityl Alcohol is also a multipurpose food additive, used as a flavoring agent or in food decorations.
For example, Palmityl Alcohol is an ingredient in colorful lettering or pictures on some types of candy or gum.
In industrial applications, Palmityl Alcohol is a primary ingredient in fuels, chemical intermediates and plasticizers and is used as a lubricant for nuts and bolts in manufacturing applications.
Palmityl Alcohol, also known as 1-hexadecanol or n-hexadecyl alcohol, is a 16-C fatty alcohol with the chemical formula CH3(CH2)15OH.
Palmityl Alcohol can be produced from the reduction of palmitic acid.
Palmityl 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, Palmityl Alcohol is one of the oldest known long-chain alcohol.
Palmityl 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, Palmityl Alcohol is commonly used as an emollient that prevents drying and chapping of the skin.
According to the FDA Code of Federal Regulations, Palmityl 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.
Palmityl 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.
Palmityl Alcohol is a synthetic, solid, fatty alcohol and nonionic surfactant.
Palmityl Alcohol is used as an emulsifying agent in pharmaceutical preparations.
1-Hexadecanol is a natural product found in Mikania cordifolia, Cichorium endivia, and other organisms with data available.
Usage Areas
Used in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, perfumes, and shampoos (emollient and emulsion modifier) and to make face creams, lotions, lipsticks, toilet preparations, and antiperspirant sticks.
Also used as a coupling agent, foam stabilizer in detergents, base for making sulfonated fatty acids, monomer lubricant in suspension polymerization, and to retard evaporation of water when spread as a film on reservoirs or sprayed on growing plants.
Perfumery, emulsifier, emollient, foam stabilizer in detergents, face creams, lotions, lipsticks, toilet preparations, chemical intermediate, detergents, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, base for making sulfonated fatty acids, to retard evaporation of water when spread as a film on reservoirs or sprayed on growing plants
This medication is used as a moisturizer to treat or prevent dry, rough, scaly, itchy skin and minor skin irritations (such as diaper rash, skin burns from radiation therapy).
Emollients are substances that soften and moisturize the skin and decrease itching and flaking.
Some products (such as zinc oxide, white petrolatum) are used mostly to protect the skin against irritation (such as 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.
Industry Uses
Commercial and industrial products.
Finishing agents
Fuels and fuel additives
Intermediates
Lubricants and lubricant additives
Other (Personal care)
Paint additives and coating additives not described by other categories
Personal Care product ingredient
Plasticizers
Processing aids, not otherwise listed
Processing aids, specific to petroleum production
Raw material for antioxidant production (esters)
Solvents (which become part of product formulation or mixture)
Surface active agents
Viscosity adjustors
opacifier in shampoo, emollient, emulsifier or thickening agent in skin creams and lotion
Surface active agents
mixed metal heat stabilizer
Consumer Uses
Cleaning and furnishing care products
Fabric, textile, and leather products not covered elsewhere
Industrial organic chemicals used in commercial and consumer products.
Lubricants and greases
Metal products not covered elsewhere
Non-TSCA use
Paints and coatings
Paper products
Personal care products
Plastic and rubber products not covered elsewhere
Building/construction materials not covered elsewhere
Electrical and electronic products
Floor coverings
Heat Stabilizer
Plastic and rubber products not covered elsewhere
Toys, playground, and sporting equipment
General Manufacturing Information
Industry Processing Sectors
All other basic organic chemical manufacturing
All other chemical product and preparation manufacturing
Asphalt paving, roofing, and coating materials manufacturing
Nonmetallic mineral product manufacturing (includes clay, glass, cement, concrete, lime, gypsum, and other nonmetallic mineral product manufacturing.
Oil and gas drilling, extraction, and support activities
Paint and coating manufacturing
Paper manufacturing
Personal Care
Petrochemical manufacturing
Petroleum lubricating oil and grease manufacturing
Pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing
Plastic material and resin manufacturing
Soap, cleaning compound, and toilet preparation manufacturing
Textiles, apparel, and leather manufacturing
Wholesale and retail trade
Palmityl Alcohol is a fatty alcohol that functions as an emollient, emulsifier, thickener, and surfactant in a variety of cosmetics and skincare products.
Palmityl Alcohol is an organic compound that is classified as a fatty alcohol.
Fatty alcohols are a hybrid between alcohols and fatty acids or oils. There is often a misconception that because it has alcohol in its name that Palmityl Alcohol is drying to the skin. The reality is actually the opposite.
Palmityl Alcohol helps to protect the skin from allergens, bacteria and moisture loss and improves the texture of products.
Palmityl Alcohol was discovered in 1817 by the French chemist Michel Chevreul when he heated spermaceti, a waxy substance obtained from sperm whale oil, with potassium hydroxide.
After cooling, flakes of Palmityl Alcohol were left behind.
Thus, the name cetyl derives from the whale oil from which it was first isolated.
Modern production of Palmityl Alcohol is based around the reduction of palmitic acid, which is obtained from palm oil.
This is why Palmityl Alcohol is also referred to as palmityl alcohol.
Palmityl Alcohol can also be derived from the by-products of the petroleum industry.
Palmityl Alcohol comes in the form of a white, waxy solid.
Why Is Palmityl Alcohol Used?
Palmityl Alcohol has many functions in cosmetics and skincare products, including use as an emollient, emulsifier, thickener, and surfactant.
Emollient
As an emollient, Palmityl Alcohol has the ability to soften and smooth flakiness on the skin, which helps to reduce rough, dry skin.
Emollients are also occlusive agents, which means they provide a layer of protection that helps prevent water loss from the skin.
Skin barrier and hydration
As an emollient, topically applied Palmityl Alcohol has the ability to soften and soothe the skin.
The fatty acids that make up this ingredient create a barrier on the skin that effectively seals moisture in while keeping air and other environmental elements out.
Therefore, Palmityl Alcohol can be used in creams, lotions, and ointments that are designed to improve dry, flaky skin.
Emollients help to maintain the skin’s natural barrier which is vital to the health of the skin.
Disruption of the skin’s natural barrier has been linked to conditions such as eczema, dermatitis and psoriasis.
Texture
Palmityl Alcohol also functions as a thickening agent, which can help to improve the viscosity of skin care products.
Palmityl Alcohol is mainly used to improve the texture of formulations, to make them more appealing to the senses.
While this may not seem like an important element to a product, it is vital to ensuring the product doesn’t separate or become clumpy so that the key ingredients can be distributed evenly to the skin.
The main way the Palmityl Alcohol does this is through acting as a thickener.
Thickeners improve the consistency, viscosity or adhesion to the skin.
The term viscosity corresponds to the concept of ‘thickness’, for example, honey has a higher viscosity than water.
Thus, Palmityl Alcohol can be used to thicken formulas, adding body and viscosity.
Surfactant
Palmityl Alcohol also functions as a surfactant.
Surfactant is the short term for surface active agent.
Surfactants are compounds that lower the surface tension between two substances.
Another job of surfactants is to degrease and emulsify oils and fats and suspend dirt, allowing them to be washed away.
This is great for lifting impurities away from the skin, allowing them to be cleansed away.
This is possible because while one end of the surfactant molecule is attracted to water, the other end is attracted to oil.
Thus, surfactants attract the oil, dirt, and other impurities that have accumulated on your skin during the day.
Due to these properties, Palmityl Alcohol can be found in many different cleansers and body washes.
Palmityl Alcohol also increases the foaming capacity of formulations.
About Palmityl Alcohol
Helpful information
Palmityl Alcohol is registered under the REACH Regulation and is manufactured in and / or imported to the European Economic Area, at ≥ 100 000 to < 1 000 000 tonnes per annum.
Palmityl Alcohol is used by consumers, in articles, by professional workers (widespread uses), in formulation or re-packing, at industrial sites and in manufacturing.
Consumer Uses
Palmityl Alcohol is used in the following products: biocides (e.g. disinfectants, pest control products), coating products, anti-freeze products, lubricants and greases, polishes and waxes and finger paints.
Other release to the environment of Palmityl Alcohol is likely to occur from: indoor use (e.g. machine wash liquids/detergents, automotive care products, paints and coating or adhesives, fragrances and air fresheners), outdoor use, indoor use in long-life materials with low release rate (e.g. flooring, furniture, toys, construction materials, curtains, foot-wear, leather products, paper and cardboard products, electronic equipment) and indoor use in long-life materials with high release rate (e.g. release from fabrics, textiles during washing, removal of indoor paints).
Article service life
Release to the environment of Palmityl Alcohol can occur from industrial use: in processing aids at industrial sites, in the production of articles and industrial abrasion processing with low release rate (e.g. cutting of textile, cutting, machining or grinding of metal).
Other release to the environment of Palmityl Alcohol is likely to occur from: indoor use in long-life materials with low release rate (e.g. flooring, furniture, toys, construction materials, curtains, foot-wear, leather products, paper and cardboard products, electronic equipment), outdoor use in long-life materials with low release rate (e.g. metal, wooden and plastic construction and building materials), outdoor use and indoor use (e.g. machine wash liquids/detergents, automotive care products, paints and coating or adhesives, fragrances and air fresheners).
Palmityl Alcohol can be found in products with material based on: stone, plaster, cement, glass or ceramic (e.g. dishes, pots/pans, food storage containers, construction and isolation material) and plastic (e.g. food packaging and storage, toys, mobile phones).
Widespread uses by professional workers
Palmityl Alcohol is used in the following products: lubricants and greases, biocides (e.g. disinfectants, pest control products), fillers, putties, plasters, modelling clay and coating products.
Palmityl Alcohol is used in the following areas: building & construction work and agriculture, forestry and fishing.
Palmityl Alcohol is used for the manufacture of: machinery and vehicles, mineral products (e.g. plasters, cement), fabricated metal products, furniture, rubber products and plastic products.
Other release to the environment of Palmityl Alcohol is likely to occur from: indoor use (e.g. machine wash liquids/detergents, automotive care products, paints and coating or adhesives, fragrances and air fresheners) and outdoor use.
Formulation or re-packing
Palmityl Alcohol is used in the following products: pH regulators and water treatment products and laboratory chemicals.
Palmityl Alcohol has an industrial use resulting in manufacture of another substance (use of intermediates).
Release to the environment of Palmityl Alcohol can occur from industrial use: formulation of mixtures, formulation in materials and as an intermediate step in further manufacturing of another substance (use of intermediates).
Uses at industrial sites
Palmityl Alcohol is used in the following products: lubricants and greases, fillers, putties, plasters, modelling clay, coating products, pH regulators and water treatment products, adhesives and sealants and non-metal-surface treatment products.
Palmityl Alcohol is used in the following areas: building & construction work and mining.
Palmityl Alcohol is used for the manufacture of: chemicals, machinery and vehicles and mineral products (e.g. plasters, cement).
Release to the environment of Palmityl Alcohol can occur from industrial use: in processing aids at industrial sites, in the production of articles, as an intermediate step in further manufacturing of another substance (use of intermediates), as processing aid and of substances in closed systems with minimal release.
Other release to the environment of Palmityl Alcohol is likely to occur from: outdoor use and indoor use (e.g. machine wash liquids/detergents, automotive care products, paints and coating or adhesives, fragrances and air fresheners).
Manufacture
Release to the environment of Palmityl Alcohol can occur from industrial use: manufacturing of the substance, formulation of mixtures, formulation in materials, in processing aids at industrial sites, in the production of articles, as an intermediate step in further manufacturing of another substance (use of intermediates), as processing aid, for thermoplastic manufacture, as processing aid and of substances in closed systems with minimal release.
Description
1-Hexadecanol is odorless.
Palmityl Alcohol is used as cosmetic ingredient, emollient, foam stabilizer.
Palmityl Alcohol is also used as the raw material for the manufacture of surfactants, Organic Synthesis, Pharmaceuticals, Agrochemicals and Dyestuffs.
Palmityl Alcohol is a long chain alcohol, which can find applications as an emulsifying agent, emollient, viscosity increasing agent, foam booster and opacifying agent in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.
Chemical Properties
Palmityl Alcohol occurs as waxy, white flakes, granules, cubes, or castings.
Palmityl Alcohol has a faint characteristic odor and bland taste.
Occurrence
Reported as a major constituent of spermaceti oil, where it is present chiefy as cetyl palmitate Also reported found in guava, peach, pear, kohlrabi, baked potato, mustard, Parmesan cheese, butter, milk powder, boiled egg, cooked chicken, roasted beef, beef fat, whiskies, tea, starfruit, mango, rice, licorice, kiwifruit, loquat, endive, shrimp, crab, clam, Cape gooseberry and pawpaw
Uses:
1-Hexadecanol has been used in preparation of:
(±)-2-methoxyheptadecanoic acid (fatty acid)
high-chain fatty acid esters of 1-hexadecanol, novel organic phase change material for thermal energy storage
hexadecane (alkane) in the presence of membrane fraction of Vibrio furnissii M1
Palmityl Alcohol is a versatile ingredient that can serve as an emollient, emulsifier, thickener, binder, foam booster, or emulsion stabilizer, depending on the formulation and need.
Palmityl Alcohol is derived from coconut or palm oil as well as being synthetically manufactured.
Palmityl Alcohol is considered by some sources to be a non-comedogenic material.
Production Methods
Palmityl Alcohol may be manufactured by a number of methods such as esterification and hydrogenolysis of fatty acids or by catalytic hydrogenation of the triglycerides obtained from coconut oil or tallow.
Palmityl Alcohol may be purified by crystallization and distillation.
Palmityl Alcohol
Derived from Coconut, Palmityl Alcohol is a must for all cosmetic use.
Originally discovered in 1817, the waxy substance is an emollient, emulsifier and thickening agent.
Palmityl Alcohol is soothing for the skin and is one of the most non toxic skincare ingredients available.
Characteristics
Palmityl Alcohol helps thicken and add texture to cosmetic products, such as creams and lotions where it increases thickness, emulsifies and improves both feel and application.
When used in shampoo and conditioner it adds to its moisturisation and enhances viscosity, whilst adding foam production.
Products to Use in:
Moisture Cream
Moisture Lotion
Body Butter
Cleanser
Face Mask
Skin Peels
Shower Gel
Shampoo
Conditioner
IUPAC NAMES:
1-Hexadecanol
Alcohol C16
Cetyl Alcohol
Cetyl Alcohol
HEXADECAN-1-OL
Hexadecan-1-ol
hexadecan-1-ol
Hexadecan-1-ol
hexadecan-1-ol
Hexadecane-1-ol
Hexadecanol
Hexadecanol
Hexadécane-1-ol
Palmerol 1214 NFPalmerol 1216
palmityl alcohol
SYNONYMS:
1-Hexadecanol
cetyl alcohol
Hexadecan-1-ol
36653-82-4
HEXADECANOL
Cetanol
Palmityl alcohol
Hexadecyl alcohol
N-Hexadecanol
n-Cetyl alcohol
Cetaffine
n-1-Hexadecanol
Cetylol
Cetal
Ethal
Ethol
Cetylic alcohol
n-Hexadecyl alcohol
Loxanwachs SK
Crodacol C
Loxanol K extra
1-Hexadecyl alcohol
Elfacos C
Loxanol K
Crodacol-CAS
Crodacol-CAT
Siponol wax-A
Atalco C
Cetalol CA
Siponol CC
Lanol C
1-Cetanol
Hyfatol 16
Cachalot C-50
Cachalot C-51
Cachalot C-52
Alcohol C-16
Product 308
Aldol 54
Dytol F-11
Adol
Cyclal cetyl alcohol
Alfol 16
Lorol 24
Adol 52
Adol 54
Adol 52 NF
Hyfatol
palmitic alcohol
Epal 16NF
1-Hexadecyl alc
16-Hexadecanol
C16 alcohol
Adol 520
n-Hexadecan-1-ol
Cetylalkohol
Isocetyl alcohol
1-Hexanedecanol
Isohexadecyl alcohol
cetylalcohol
FEMA No. 2554
SSD RP
Normal primary hexadecyl alcohol
Alcohols, C14-18
CO-1670
CO-1695
Lipocol C
UNII-936JST6JCN
Fancol CA
Cetyl alcohol NF
Crodacol C70
Rita CA
1-Hydroxyhexadecane
Cetanol (TN)
Lanette 16
Philcohol 1600
Cetyl alcohol (NF)
Cetyl alcohol [NF]
Lorol C16
LorolL 24
Cachalot C-50 NF
Adol 52NF
936JST6JCN
CHEBI:16125
NSC4194
NSC-4194
67762-30-5
NCGC00159368-02
NCGC00159368-05
DSSTox_CID_7991
DSSTox_RID_78633
DSSTox_GSID_27991
Hexadecanol (VAN)
Fatty alcohol(C16)
Caswell No. 165D
FEMA Number 2554
Crodacol-CAT
cyclalcetylalcohol
Dehydag wax 16
Dytol F-11
dytolf-11
Elfacos C
lorol24
LorolL 24
Loxanol K
Loxanol K extra
loxanolk
loxanolkextra
Loxanwachs SK
loxanwachssk
Loxiol VPG 1743
Michel XO-150-16
n-1-Hexadecanol
n-Cetyl alcohol
n-cetylalcohol
n-Hexadecan-1-ol
n-Hexadecanol
normalprimaryhexadecylalcohol
1-Hexadecyl alcohol
1-hexadecylalc
1-Hexanedecanol
1-Hydroxyhexadecane
1-HEXADECANOL 95%
1-HEXADECAN-D33-OL 98%
CETYL ALCOHOL EXTRA PURE DAB PH. EUR.&
1-HEXADECANOL 99+%
1-HEXADECANOL, PH EUR
CETYL ALCOHOL GC STANDARD
CetylPyridiniumChlorideForSynthesis
