CAS Number: 67762-27-0
EC Number: 267-008-6
Chemical formula: CH3(CH2)nCH2OH; n=variable, typically 14-16
Technical-grade cetearyl alcohol is a mixture of cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol.
Both alcohols are present in small amounts in plants and animals.
Cetearyl, cetyl, and stearyl alcohol are all fatty alcohols, which means they derive from natural oils and fats.
Cetearyl alcohol is a waxy, white solid that manufacturers typically sell in the form of flakes.
While Cetearyl alcohol is soluble (dissolves) in oils and alcohols, it is insoluble in water.
Cetyl alcohol, also known as 1-hexadecanol and palmityl alcohol, is a common ingredient in a variety of personal care products and cosmetics.
Cetearyl alcohol is derived from vegetable oils such as palm or coconut oil.
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.
Cetearyl alcohol is used as an emulsion stabilizer, opacifying agent, and foam boosting surfactant, as well as an aqueous and nonaqueous viscosity-increasing agent.
Cetearyl alcohol imparts an emollient feel to the skin and can be used in water-in-oil emulsions, oil-in-water emulsions, and anhydrous formulations.
Cetearyl alcohol is commonly used in hair conditioners and other hair products.
Uses & Benefits of Cetearyl alcohol:
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.
Cetearyl alcohol is an emulsifier that thickens cosmetic products and makes them stable by holding water and oil together.
Cetearyl alcohol can also be used as a surfactant that foams and washes the hair and skin, and is known for its emollient properties.
Most often, cosmetic products need to be extremely stable to have a long shelf life in order to be stored, handled, shipped etc.
This is why emulsifiers, stabilisers and preservatives are often added in large quantities, which tends to create thick creams loaded with synthetic ingredients.
At Lush, we like them to glide on seamlessly and feel lightweight on the skin.
This makes the stability more fragile which is why they are best used as fresh as possible; but in exchange, the product can be filled with fresh flowers, fruits and other beneficial plants.
Cetearyl alcohol is a solid, waxy material derived from the fats of vegetable oils.
Cetearyl alcohol is a common emulsifier used in a vast array of cosmetics.
Cosmetic creams and lotions are often composed of water and oil-based ingredients, which are held together by substances called emulsifiers.
Without emulsifiers, the formula would separate, causing oil droplets to float on top of the water.
Cetearyl alcohol belongs to the family of fatty alcohols.
Cetearyl alcohol is used as an emollient.
Cetearyl alcohol thickens creams and stabilizes them.
Cetearyl alcohol softens and protects the skin without a greasy effect.
Cetearyl alcohol mainly contains cetyl alcohol (Cetyl alcohol) and stearyl alcohol (Stearyl alcohol).
Cetearyl alcohol is authorized in organic.
Although Cetearyl alcohol is called ‘alcohol’, it is not a fermented mixture and has nothing to do with ethanol; it is very gentle on the skin and does not dry it out.
Cetearyl alcohol is an emollient that makes the skin and hair smooth and supple.
What is cetearyl alcohol used for in skin care?
On skin care labels, cetearyl alcohol is often listed as an "inactive ingredient."
That's because Cetearyl alcohol usually doesn't help a product's therapeutic effects on the skin.
Instead, Cetearyl alcohol's used to enhance the formulation of a product.
Here's how:
1.Cetearyl alcohol stops ingredients from separating.
A skin care product is essentially a mixture of multiple ingredients.
Cetearyl alcohol helps those ingredients stay mixed, thanks to its emulsifying properties.
This is key for keeping the formula stable and effective.
According to Frey, most skin care products on the market are made of water and oily ingredients.
(These oily ingredients function as emollients, fragrances, and other purposes.) Cetearyl alcohol stops the water and oils from separating, which maintains the composition of the product.
2.Cetearyl alcohol helps products apply evenly.
To be effective, a product should have a consistent formula.
Otherwise, the active ingredients will spread unevenly—which defeats the purpose of using product to begin with.
Cetearyl alcohol prevents this by keeping the ingredients together, like a neat and tidy package.
3.Cetearyl alcohol also thickens products.
Due to Cetearyl alcohols oily consistency, cetearyl alcohol creates "a smoother, creamier texture to make products more cosmetically appealing," says Ciraldo.
Think velvety, hydrating moisturizers and luscious foaming cleansers.
Cetearyl alcohols thickening action also makes it easier to spread on the skin, further enhancing even application.
(After all, there's nothing more disappointing than trying to work with a runny, watery formula.)
4.Cetearyl alcohol has moisturizing properties.
Cetearyl alcohol is also an emollient, which means it can make the skin look and feel softer, says Frey.
Cetearyl alcohol works by filling in cracks and uneven surfaces—the culprits behind dry skin.
Even then, cetearyl alcohol isn't used in skin care products for this reason.
Cetearyl alcohol's kind of like an extra perk that proves just how diverse alcohols can be.
Cetearyl Alcohol at a Glance:
Fatty alcohol with emollient (softening/smoothing) properties for skin
Cetearyl alcohol 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
Cetearyl alcohol can be derived naturally, as in coconut fatty alcohol, or made synthetically
As a raw material, Cetearyl alcohol 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.
Cetearyl alcohol 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.
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.
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, Cetearyl alcohol can be used to alter the thickness of a formula or to influence the foaming capacity of a cleanser.
Cetearyl 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.
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.
As a raw material, cetearyl alcohol is a white, waxy solid (often in flake form).
Cetearyl alcohol 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.
Other names for this ingredient include:
cetostearyl alcohol
cetyl/stearyl alcohol
1-octadecanol mixed with 1-hexadecanol
Cetearyl alcohol is a type of fatty alcohol that companies use to make various cosmetic products.
These include a wide array of toiletries, including hand creams, shampoos, and body washes.
What is cetearyl alcohol?
Cetearyl alcohol is a chemical found in cosmetic products.
Cetearyl alcohol’s a white, waxy mixture of cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol, both fatty alcohols.
Cetearyl alcohol found in animals and plants, like coconut and palm oil.
Cetearyl alcohol can also be made in a laboratory.
Cetearyl alcohol is used in personal care products, mainly skin lotions, hair products, and creams.
Cetearyl alcohol 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 cetearyl alcohol 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.
Cetearyl alcohol may also make a product thicker or increase the product’s ability to foam.
Cetearyl alcohol advantages:
-effective emollient and conditioner for washing and care cosmetics for skin and hair,
-provides smoothness of skin and hair,
-restores hair elasticity and softness,
-rheology modifier (improves the consistency of preparations),
-foam stabilizer,
-stabilizes emulsions such as oil in water (O/W), water in oil (W/O) and anhydrous preparations,
-does not cause allergic reactions,
-based on renewable plant raw materials.
What is cetearyl alcohol?
Cetearyl alcohol is a waxy, white substance that's solid at room temperature.
Cetearyl alcohol naturally comes from vegetable oils—including coconut, palm, and soy oil—but it can also be made in a lab for use in personal products.
You can find Cetearyl alcohol in products like lotions, creams, and shampoos.
Applications of Cetearyl alcohol:
-shampoos, conditioners, serums, hair masks,
-preparations for hair colouring,
-hair gels,
-hand, foot and body creams
-eye creams,
-anti-wrinkle creams,
-sunscreens,
-after-shave creams,
-self-tanners,
-lotions, moisturisers (including for children),
-preparations for washing face and body,
-peeling scrubs,
-anti-acne preparations,
-make-up bases, foundations,
-mascara, eyeliners,
-lipsticks, lip balms,
-make-up removers,
-depilation preparations,
-lubricants, metalworking fluids.
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.
KEYWORDS:
67762-27-0, 267-008-6, (C16-C18) alkyl alcohol, alcohols C1618, C16-18 alcohols, cetostearyl alcohol, cetyl/stearyl alcohol, 1-octadecanol mixed with 1-hexadecanol, Cetaffine, n-1-Hexadecanol
Cetearyl Alcohol is an 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).
Non-gelling thickener, viscosity and consistency enhancer.
Cetearyl alcohol works also in water-free products like lipsticks.
Cetearyl alcohol acts as co-emulsifier at concentrations under 2%.
Cetearyl alcohol has emollient, moisturizing, and foam boosting properties.
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.
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.
Cetearyl alcohol, also called 1-hexadecanol, [CH3(CH2)15OH], a solid organic compound that was one of the first alcohols to be isolated from fats.
Cetyl alcohol was discovered in 1817 by the French chemist Michel Chevreul.
When he heated a sample of spermaceti (a solid wax formed by the cooling of sperm whale oil) with caustic potash (potassium hydroxide), colourless crystals appeared.
Although Chevreul thought that these crystals were a compound of ethylene and water, a more complete analysis by other researchers in 1836 established its composition as an alcohol.
Cetyl alcohol is now manufactured through the reduction of ethyl palmitate (the waxy ester of palmitic acid) with metallic sodium and alcohol or under acidic conditions with lithium aluminum hydride as a catalyst.
Cetyl alcohol is used widely in lubricants, emulsifiers, insecticides, and detergents.
Because Cetearyl alcohol is not readily hydrolyzed, cetyl alcohol can be applied as a thin film over a surface (e.g., on the leaves of growing plants or across a water reservoir) to reduce the rate of water loss through evaporation.
Cetyl alcohol also melts at a temperature higher than that of the human body, so it is useful in preparing cosmetic creams (e.g., lipsticks) that are easily molded and softened when warmed by the skin.
An extremely common multitasker ingredient that gives your skin a nice soft feel (emollient) and gives body to creams and lotions.
Cetearyl alcohol also helps to stabilize oil-water mixes (emulsions), though it does not function as an emulsifier in itself.
Cetearyl alcohols typical use level in most cream type formulas is 2-3%.
Cetearyl alcohol’s a so-called fatty alcohol, a mix of cetyl and stearyl alcohol, other two emollient fatty alcohols.
Though chemically speaking, Cetearyl alcohol 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.
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.
Products with cetearyl alcohol:
-skin lotions
-moisturizers
-skin creams
-sunscreen
-shampoo
-conditioners
-hair removal creams
-hair mousse
-anti-frizz hair cream
-hair dye
-mascara
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.
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.
Cetearyl alcohol 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.
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.
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.
Cetearyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol and can also act as an emulsifier, giving proper texture to our products.
In addition, Cetearyl alcohol 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.
The 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.
The 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.
How to Use Cetearyl alcohol?
Because the ingredient is present in so many different types of products, there's no set guideline for Cetearyl alcohols use.
And according to both dermatologists, cetearyl alcohol is not an ingredient with a limitation on Cetearyl alcohol in terms of how often it can be used.
Other names:
(C16-C18) alkyl alcohol
alcohols, C1618
C16-18 alcohols
cetostearyl alcohol
cetyl/stearyl alcohol
1-octadecanol, mixed with 1-hexadecanol
Cetearyl Alcohol consists predominantly of cetyl and stearyl alcohols and is classified as a fatty alcohol.
Cetearyl alcohol is used as an emulsion stabiliser, opacifying agent, and foam boosting surfactant, as well as an aqueous and nonaqueous viscosity-increasing agent.
Cetearyl alcohol imparts an emollient feel to the skin and can be used in water-in-oil emulsions, oil-in-water emulsions, and anhydrous formulations.
Cetearyl alcohol is commonly used in hair conditioners and other cosmetic products for it's emollient properties.
Use from 1% to 25% inclusion by weight.
Cetearyl alcohol is not an emulsifier itself, but needs to be combined with Emulsifying Wax (i.e. steareth-21).
Cetearyl alcohol appearance can be either a pastel or flake.
Cetearyl alcohol is NOT derived from any animal fats or oils.
Cetearyl alcohol is coconut/palm-oil derived.
Cetearyl Alcohol is a mixture of cetyl and stearyl alcohols that can be derived naturally or synthetically.
Cetearyl alcohol is a white, waxy solid.
Cetearyl alcohol acts as an emollient, texture enhancer, foam stabilizer.
Cetearyl 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
Cetyl alcohol, also known as 1-hexadecanol or n-hexadecyl alcohol, is a 16-C fatty alcohol with the chemical formula CH3(CH2)15OH.
Cetearyl 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.
Cetearyl alcohol may be contained in cosmetic and personal care products such as shampoos, creams and lotions.
Mainly Cetearyl alcohol 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 Cetearyl alcohols 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.
Alternative names:
Cetearyl alcohol, C16-C18 alcohol, cetyl stearyl alcohol, cetearyl alcohol, C16-C18 alcohol, cetyl stearyl alcohol, CAS 67762-27-0, cetearyl alcohol.
This alcohol is an emollient, which means Cetearyl alcohol softens the skin and hair.
Manufacturers also use Cetearyl alcohol to stabilize emulsions, which are mixes of oil and water.
Cetearyl alcohol is different from the alcohol in drinks, which is known as ethanol.
While ethanol is drying to the skin, fatty alcohols are not.
Experts widely accept cetearyl alcohol as a safe ingredient in cosmetics, and it is practically nontoxic, although some people can be sensitive or allergic to it.
This article discusses cetearyl alcohol and the products that contain it, as well as its benefits and side effects.
Cetearyl alcohol also examines other alcohols in cosmetics.
Is cetearyl alcohol safe?
You may have heard that you should avoid hair and skin products that contain alcohol.
This 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.
But 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).
This feature allows fatty alcohols to trap water and provides a soothing feel to the skin.
Uses of Cetearyl alcohol:
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.
How to use Cetyl Alcohol Lotion?
Use Cetearyl alcohol 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 Cetearyl alcohol 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 Cetearyl alcohol 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 (such as 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 Cetearyl alcohol 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 lasts or gets worse, or if you think you may have a serious medical problem, seek immediate medical attention.
Cetostearyl alcohol (synonyms: cetearyl alcohol, cetyl stearyl alcohol; CAS No. 8005-44-5 and 67762-27-0) is a mixture of saturated fatty alcohols.
Cetearyl alcohol contains 65 to 80% stearyl alcohol (C18H37OH, 1-octadecanol) and 20 to 35% cetyl alcohol (C16H33OH, 1-hexadecanol).
The European Pharmacopoeia requires a content of stearylalcohol not less than 40% and that the sum of the contents of cetyl alcohol and of stearylalcohols is not less than 90%.
Cetostearylalcohol is obtained by reduction of the appropriate fatty acids in coconut oil and palm kernel oil.
Cetostearylalcohol is also a natural component in whale oil (spermaceti).
Cetostearyl alcohol is used in combination with other excipients as emulsifying agent in cosmetics and in human medicinal products for topical use.
In veterinary medicine it is used, together with other excipients, as emulsifier in at least two ointments.
One ointment is used for disinfection of the udder in cows, mares, sows, ewes and goats and cetostearyl alcohol is contained at a concentration of 2 to 3% (recommended dosage of the ointment is 20 grams twice a day for 5 days).
The other product contains 1 to 2 % of cetostearylalcohol.
No information on the target species or the posology of this product has been provided.
Cetearyl alcohol is an ingredient in many products, such as:
-moisturizing creams and lotions
-shampoo
-conditioners
-exfoliants
-sunscreens
-hair sprays
-hair dyes
-hair mousse
-facial cleansers
-makeup, including foundations, lipstick, and mascara
-shaving creams
-body washes and bar soaps
-baby wipes
-antiperspirants and deodorants
-toothpaste
-nail treatment
-hand sanitizer
-body oil
-mouthwash
-fragrance
-glitter
What is Cetearyl Alcohol?
Alcohol is often used as a generic term, but not all alcohols are created equal.
Alcohol can fall into two categories:
1) high molecular alcohols
2) low molecular alcohols.
Low molecular alcohols are also known as drying alcohols.
High molecular alcohols are also called fatty alcohols.
Cetearyl Alcohol falls into this last category.
Cetearyl alcohol is an ingredient that is derived naturally from plants like palm oil or coconut oil.
Cetearyl Alcohol acts as an emulsifier and stabilizer.
This means that is Cetearyl alcohol used for blending ingredients that do not normally mix (such as water and oil).
Cetearyl alcohol can also be used to thicken up the consistency of a product.
Uses of Cetearyl alcohol:
Help to keep emulsions from separating into its oil and liquid components.
Fatty alcohols and widely used in cosmetics and personal care products, especially skin lotions and creams.
Viscosity controlling surfactant, foam boosting.
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.
These ingredients are all fatty alcohols and that are widely used in cosmetics and personal care products, especially in skin lotions and creams
Cetearyl Alcohol and the other fatty alcohols keep an emulsion from separating into its oil and liquid components.
These ingredients are also used to alter the thickness of liquid products and to increase foaming capacity or to stabilize foams.
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.
Before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to any of the ingredients in the product; or if you have any other allergies.
If you have any of the following health problems, consult your doctor or pharmacist before using this product:
-skin cuts
-infections
-sores
In clinical studies, Cetearyl Alcohol was found to have NO toxicity and was NON-mutagenic.
Non-mutagenic means that Cetearyl alcohol is a chemical agent that does NOT change your DNA.
DNA changes are what can cause certain diseases like cancer.
CETEARYL ALCOHOL
TYPE OF INGREDIENT: Emulsifier
MAIN BENEFITS: Stabilizes products, prevents separation, and thickens.
WHO SHOULD USE IT: In general, anyone who doesn't have an allergy can safely use cetearyl alcohol.
HOW OFTEN CAN YOU USE IT: Daily.
WORKS WELL WITH: Most other emulsifiers.
DON'T USE WITH: Cetearyl alcohol is safe to use with most other ingredients, but it can be comedogenic when used in conjunction with ceteareth-20, according to Fusco.
Cetearyl alcohol is a white waxy solid ingredient with a mild soapy odour, and is in a group known as a ‘fatty alcohols’.
Unlike more conventional alcohols like ethanol, fatty alcohols have notably different properties - typically they are non-irritating and non-drying to skin.
Cetearyl alcohol has a range of uses in different types of products:
In skin care products, Cetearyl alcohol can be used to modify the viscosity (thickness) of lotions or as an emollient (moisturiser), leaving skin soft and smooth.
In personal and hair care products, Cetearyl alcohol can be used as an emulsifier or emulsion stabiliser, helping emulsifying ingredients more effectively reduce surface tension between water and oil, improving performance.
Cetearyl alcohol is primarily made from cetyl and stearyl alcohols, which can be synthetically produced or derived from plant oils such as coconut and palm, or from animal oils.
Other names:
Cetearyl alcohol; Cetylstearyl alcohol; Cetyl/stearyl alcohol
WHAT IS Cetearyl alcohol?
A fatty alcohol that's either produced from the end products of the petroleum industry, or derived from plants (palm oil-palmityl alcohol).
Cetearyl alcohol comes in the form of a white, waxy solid. It's no longer derived from sperm whale oil (where it was originally discovered) seeing how whales are now an endangered species.
KEY INFORMATION:
Cetearyl alcohol is used for its many properties to help preserve solutions and emulsions.
Cetearyl alcohol is also a surfactant that boosts a products foaming capacity.
This property is important in bath soaps, hand soaps, shampoos, conditioners and many other personal care products.
Cetearyl alcohol is also a main ingredient in cosmetics such as foundations, concealers, liquid lipsticks and mascaras to stabilize a solution and to prevent the separation of emulsions.
MORE INFORMATION
Works as an emollient, emulsifier, thickener and carrying agent for other ingredients contained in a cosmetic solution.
Cetearyl alcohol keeps the oil and water parts of an emulsion from separating, and gives products good spreadability.
As a thickening agent and surfactant, Cetearyl alcohol helps alter the viscosity and increase the foaming capacity of non-aqueous (i.e. lotions) and aqueous solutions (i.e. shampoo).
Cetearyl alcohol is often misinterpreted as an "alcohol" related to ethyl or rubbing alcohol, both of which can be extremely drying to the skin.
The truth, in fact, is quite the opposite, as cetyl alcohol is well known to effectively condition and soften the skin and hair.
Because of its multi-functional capabilities, Cetearyl alcohol is used in a wide range of personal care products such as moisturizer, face cream, shampoo/conditioner, anti-aging treatment, hair dye, sunscreen, cleanser and lipstick.
Is cetearyl alcohol drying?
With a name like cetearyl alcohol, it's easy to assume the ingredient has a drying and irritating effect.
But according to board-certified dermatologist Fayne Frey, M.D., FAAD, founder of FryFace, not all alcohols are equal.
There are many types of alcohols with different (and nondrying) properties.
"By definition, an alcohol is a general term for an organic compound with an oxygen atom [attached] to hydrogen atom," explains Frey.
In the chemistry world, this is called a hydroxyl group (-OH).
Thus, as long as a compound has a hydroxyl group, it's called an alcohol.
When most of us think of "alcohol," we're actually thinking of one type: simple alcohols.
These are thin, water-like substances that can dissolve fats and lipids, says Frey.
They can also irritate the skin at high concentrations, which is why many folks avoid products containing alcohol.
"Examples of simple alcohols include ethyl alcohol or isopropyl alcohol, [also known as] rubbing alcohol," notes Frey.
And then there's fatty alcohols, which have more complex chemical structures than simple alcohols.
This structural difference results in totally different properties.
Fatty alcohols are usually oily and waxy, not drying, and commonly used as emulsifiers, says Frey.
Cetearyl alcohol is one of those alcohols.
So, about that "alcohol-free" label. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), "alcohol-free" refers to the lack of ethyl alcohol—not alcohol in general.
Fatty alcohols (like cetearyl alcohol) are fair game.
What does cetearyl alcohol do in skin and hair care?
Cetearyl alcohol has emollient properties, which means it softens and smooths the skin and hair.
Manufacturers also use this ingredient to alter the texture and performance of their formulas.
They may add it to products to:
create an emulsion, which is a blend of oils and water
stabilize foams
increase foaming capacity
change the thickness of liquids
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.
Cetearyl alcohols functions (INCI)
Emollient: Softens and softens the skin
Emulsifying agent: Promotes the formation of intimate mixtures between immiscible liquids by modifying the interfacial tension (water and oil)
Emulsion Stabilizer: Aids the emulsification process and improves emulsion stability and shelf life
Foam Sinergist: Improves the quality of foam produced by increasing one or more of the following properties: volume, texture and/or stability
Opacifier: Reduces the transparency or translucency of cosmetics
Surfactant: Reduces the surface tension of cosmetics and contributes to the even distribution of the product during use
Viscosity control agent: Increases or decreases the viscosity of cosmetics
Origin(s): Vegetable , Synthetic
Other languages: Alcohol cetearílico, Alcool cetearilico, Cetearylalkohol, Ceteayl alcohol, Álcool cetearílico
INCI name: CETEARYL ALCOHOL
EINECS/ELINCS number: 267-008-6 / -
Comedogenic potential (pc): 2
Classification: Fatty alcohol
What: Cetearyl Alcohol is a mixture of fatty alcohols consisting predominantly of cetyl and stearyl alcohols found in plants, like Coconut and Palm oils (Wiki).
Cetearyl Alcohol is used in cosmetics as a stabilizer to thicken an emulsion and keep it from separating, and as a foaming agent.
Cetearyl Alcohol also contains emollient properties which leave skin soft and smooth.
Origin: Cetearyl Alcohol is made by combining fatty alcohols from such vegetable sources as coconut fatty alcohol.
Products Found In: facial creams and lotions, body creams and lotions, hair conditioners, ointments, body butters, salt scrubs.
Alternate Names: Cetostearyl alcohol, cetylstearyl alcohol.
Toxicity: Cetearyl Alcohol is generally classified as being of no to low hazard or toxicity (EWG).
Cetearyl alcohol is one of those skin care ingredients that really pulls double duty.
Whether it’s nourishing the skin as an emollient or binding other ingredients together, cetearyl alcohol plays a number of different skin care roles, which is why it’s so frequently found in everything from moisturizer to eye cream.
For that reason, in this post, we’ll discuss cetearyl alcohol, what it is, why it’s in skin care, and is it safe!
If you’ve ever stayed away from alcohol in skin care products, we think cetearyl alcohol may change your mind!
The subject of alcohol in skin care is one of those topics that just seems to stir up controversy and debate.
Questions about whether alcohol in skin care is safe, whether or not it will dry out skin, or even what kinds of alcohol should be used in skin care abound as does much confusing and often misleading information on the topic.
The answers to these questions depend a lot on what kind of alcohol we’re talking about and how it’s used.
Most people have a tendency to immediately assume that alcohol, which is often used in skin care products for a number of reasons, is harmful to the skin.
While some types of alcohol can definitely be damaging to the skin, there are some types of alcohol, like cetearyl alcohol, that are not only good for the skin but help keep your skin care products functioning at their best.
CAS Number: 67762-27-0
ChemSpider: none
ECHA InfoCard:100.060.898
EC Number: 267-008-6
UNII: 2DMT128M1S
CompTox Dashboard (EPA): DTXSID0028323
Chemical formula: CH3(CH2)nCH2OH; n=variable, typically 14-16
Melting point: 48 to 56 °C (118 to 133 °F; 321 to 329 K)
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel concluded in 1988 that fatty alcohols, including cetearyl alcohol, are safe for use in cosmetic products.
A subsequent 2005 review confirmed these results.
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, like cancer.
Cetearyl 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.
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
NCGC00159368-02
NCGC00159368-05
DSSTox_CID_7991
DSSTox_RID_78633
DSSTox_GSID_27991
Hexadecanol (VAN)
Fatty alcohol(C16)
Caswell No. 165D
FEMA Number 2554
Hexadecyl alcohol, normal
CAS-36653-82-4
HSDB 2643
NSC 4194
EINECS 253-149-0
EPA Pesticide Chemical Code 001508
Cetyl alcohol (hexadecanol)
BRN 1748475
hexadecylalcohol
Cetyl alchol
AI3-00755
Hexadecanol NF
Alcohol cetylicus
Ceraphyl ICA
Crodacol C95NF
Dehydag wax 16
Eutanol G16
Crodacol C95 NF
Laurex 16
MFCD00004760
Alfol 16RD
SSD (Salt/Mix)
Cetanol (JP17)
Epal 16
Hyfatol 16-95
Kalcol 6098
Loxiol VPG 1743
1-Hexadecanol, 95%
SSD RP (Salt/Mix)
bmse000487
CHEMBL706
Michel XO-150-16
EC 253-149-0
Fatty alcohols(c12-16)
1-Hexadecanol, >=99%
SCHEMBL3381
124-29-8
4-01-00-01876 (Beilstein Handbook Reference)
DTXSID4027991
AMY6070
Cetyl alcohol, analytical standard
Cetyl alcohol, puriss., 95.0%
HMS3652H05
CS-D1348
HY-B1465
ZINC8214519
EINECS 252-964-9
Tox21_111609
Tox21_300325
LMFA05000061
s4173
STL283943
AKOS005287456
Tox21_111609_1
1-Hexadecanol, ReagentPlus(R), 99%
CCG-266894
DB09494
MCULE-9457426256
NCGC00159368-03
NCGC00159368-04
NCGC00159368-06
NCGC00254286-01
BS-16666
Cetyl alcohol, puriss., >=99.0% (GC)
FT-0701357
FT-0707360
H0071
SW219201-1
Cetyl alcohol, SAJ special grade, >=98.0%
Cetyl alcohol, Selectophore(TM), >=99.0%
EN300-19351
1-Hexadecanol, Vetec(TM) reagent grade, 94%
C00823
D00099
AB01566915_01
Q161632
SR-01000944409
SR-01000944409-1
810F139F-C57E-4DF1-916A-A320AD0DAF4D
F0001-1047
UNII-13F4MW8Y9K component BXWNKGSJHAJOGX-UHFFFAOYSA-N
UNII-2DMT128M1S component BXWNKGSJHAJOGX-UHFFFAOYSA-N
UNII-B1K89384RJ component BXWNKGSJHAJOGX-UHFFFAOYSA-N
UNII-S4827SZE3L component BXWNKGSJHAJOGX-UHFFFAOYSA-N
UNII-U0T8J52I8B component BXWNKGSJHAJOGX-UHFFFAOYSA-N
Cetyl alcohol, European Pharmacopoeia (EP) Reference Standard
Cetyl alcohol, United States Pharmacopeia (USP) Reference Standard
Cetyl Alcohol, Pharmaceutical Secondary Standard; Certified Reference Material
1454-85-9 [RN]
1-Hexadecanol - 1-octadecanol (1:1) [ACD/IUPAC Name]
1-Hexadécanol - 1-octadécanol (1:1) [French] [ACD/IUPAC Name]
1-Hexadecanol --1-octadecanol (1:1) [German] [ACD/IUPAC Name]
1-Hexadecanol, compd. with 1-octadecanol (1:1) [ACD/Index Name]
67762-27-0 [RN]
8005-44-5 [RN]
Cetearyl alcohol
12705-32-7 [RN]
1336-34-1 [RN]
199745-51-2 [RN]
1-Octadecanol, mixed with 1-hexadecanol
39315-71-4 [RN]
52003-59-5 [RN]
58392-01-1 [RN]
58392-68-0 [RN]
63393-84-0 [RN]
67762-43-0 [RN]
78565-03-4 [RN]
8032-20-0 [RN]
8032-22-2 [RN]
8032-92-6 [RN]
8033-00-9 [RN]
8034-88-6 [RN]
8038-54-8 [RN]
Ceto/Stearyl Alcohol
Cetostearyl alcohol
CETYL ALCOHOL; STEARYL ALCOHOL
Cetyl/stearyl alcohol
cetyl-stearyl alcohol
Cetyl-Stearyl Alcohol (50/50)
HEXADECAN-1-OL; OCTADECAN-1-OL
hexadecan-1-ol;octadecan-1-ol
Lanette O
Trade name
(C16-C18) Alkyl alcohol
Alcohols, C16-18
CETANOL H
CETANOL SP-D50
CETOSTEARYL ALCOHOL
CETOSTEARYL ALCOHOL M
Cetearyl alcohol
Cetostearyl alcohol
Cetyl Stearyl Alcohol
Fatty alcohols