Name: CETYL ALCOHOL
SKU: 014-200
Availability: InStock

13,98 €

Net Weight: 200 g (7.06 oz)

► Price includes shipping (products are shipped only to EU countries and the UK).
► For U.S. customers, the product link is here.

► Cetyl Alcohol (cosmetic grade) is a versatile emulsifier, emollient, and thickening agent used in skincare and haircare formulations. It enhances texture, stabilizes creams and lotions, and provides deep hydration. Ideal for conditioners, moisturizers, and body butters, it leaves skin soft and hair smooth. A plant-derived, non-greasy ingredient, perfect for clean beauty and sensitive skin formulations. Suitable for DIY and professional cosmetic applications.

SKU: 014-200 Categories: Consistency Agent, Emollients, Hair Care, Skin Care Tags: biodegradable ingredients, Cetyl Alcohol, conditioning ingredients, cosmetic emulsifiers, cream formulation agents, creamy texture ingredients, eco-conscious cosmetic ingredients, eco-friendly emollients, emollient ingredients, environmentally friendly alcohols, gentle on skin, hair conditioner agents, haircare ingredients, high-performance emollients, hydrating agents, lightweight emollients, lotion ingredients, lotion stabilizers, luxury product enhancers, moisturizing ingredients, multipurpose cosmetic agents, natural emollients, natural thickening agents, non-drying alcohols, non-greasy emollients, non-irritating ingredients, nourishing emollients, plant-based alcohols, plant-derived alcohols, product performance enhancers, product stabilizers, rich texture enhancers, silky texture agents, skin-conditioning agents, skincare ingredients, skincare texture enhancers, softening agents, solid emollients, solid-to-liquid stabilizers, stabilizing agents, sustainable ingredients, texture enhancers, thickening agents, versatile cosmetic ingredients

Description

Cetyl Alcohol – Classic Cosmetic Emulsifier & Thickener

✅ Cetyl Alcohol is one of the oldest known long-chain fatty alcohols. Commonly found in shampoos, creams, and lotions, it is primarily used as an opacifier, emulsifier, and thickening agent. It enhances product viscosity, stabilizes foams, and improves formulation aesthetics.

✅ Due to its water-binding properties, cetyl alcohol functions as a powerful emollient, helping prevent skin dryness and chapping.

✅ Cetyl Alcohol is widely used for viscosity control in oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions in both cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications. It appears as a white, hydrophilic wax in pellet form.

✅ Technical Information

Hydroxyl Value: 228–234
Hydrocarbon Content: Max. 0.5%
Solidification Point: 47–50°C
INCI Name: Cetyl Alcohol
CAS Number: 36653-82-4

✅ Origins & Naming

Also known as hexadecan-1-ol or palmityl alcohol, cetyl alcohol is a C-16 fatty alcohol. At room temperature, it appears as white waxy pellets. Its name originates from “cetacea oil” — whale oil — from which it was first extracted.

✅ Uses & Benefits

Emollient: Softens and protects skin.
Emulsifier: Maintains even distribution of oil and water ingredients.
Thickener: Enhances the viscosity and body of creams and lotions.
Foam Stabilizer: Boosts foam volume and stability in cleansing products.
Adherence Agent: In lipsticks, helps pigment adhere to lips without melting easily.
Food-Grade Use: Recognized by FDA as safe for use in food additives and decorations.

✅ Regulatory & Safety

According to the FDA Code of Federal Regulations, cetyl alcohol is safe for use in food and in the synthesis of food components. It is also listed as an OTC skin protectant for treating irritations from poison ivy, oak, sumac, insect bites, and more.

✅ FAQ: What’s the Difference Between Cetyl Alcohol and Cetearyl Alcohol?

Cetearyl alcohol is a blend of cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol. Both are fatty alcohols and offer similar benefits, but cetearyl has a slightly higher melting point and more waxy texture — making it ideal for firmer or thicker product formulations.

A staple in skincare science — cetyl alcohol offers functionality, comfort, and cosmetic elegance in every application.