Fatty Alcohols

Cetearyl Alcohol – Natural Fatty Alcohol Blend for Cosmetic Formulations

Cetearyl Alcohol is a popular fatty alcohol blend used widely in cosmetic formulations due to its multifunctional properties. It acts as an effective thickener, emulsifier, and stabilizer while offering emollient benefits that soften and hydrate the skin.

Typically derived from natural sources like coconut and palm oils, Cetearyl Alcohol helps improve the viscosity and texture of formulations, giving them a rich, smooth, and luxurious feel. This ingredient is suitable for various applications, including lotions, creams, conditioners, body butters, and more.

Ingredients & Technical Data

• Ingredients (Common Name): Cetearyl Alcohol
• Ingredients (INCI Name): Cetearyl Alcohol (Blend of Cetyl and Stearyl Alcohol)
• CAS No: 8005-44-5
• Appearance: White, waxy pellets or flakes
• Odor: Neutral to mild
• Solubility: Oil soluble
• Application: Add to the heated oil phase (at 55°C/131°F) for proper melting and incorporation
• Country of Origin: Multiple origins, including the USA and Indonesia

Why Use Cetearyl Alcohol in Formulations?

Emulsifier & Stabilizer

Cetearyl Alcohol helps stabilize emulsions, ensuring that oil and water-based ingredients stay properly mixed. This results in long-lasting, stable formulations.

Thickens & Improves Texture

By increasing viscosity, Cetearyl Alcohol thickens lotions, creams, and conditioners, providing a rich, creamy texture that feels smooth upon application.

Emollient Properties

It creates a protective layer on the skin, preventing moisture loss and helping to soften and smoothen both skin and hair.

Versatile Ingredient

Suitable for a wide variety of formulations, including skincare and haircare products, offering flexibility for cosmetic formulators.

Suggested Uses

• Lotions & Creams: Use in formulations to stabilize emulsions, enhance thickness, and add a smooth texture. Perfect for moisturizers and rich body lotions.
• Conditioners & Hair Masks: Incorporate into conditioners and masks to provide emolliency and improve the application feel. Adds slip and makes hair feel soft and manageable.
• Body Butters: Use in body butter formulations for a rich, luxurious texture and improved stability. Enhances the feel, making skin soft and hydrated.
• Makeup Products: Improves texture, thickness, and stability of foundations, powders, and creams with Cetearyl Alcohol.

Recommended Usage

• Lotions & Creams: 1% to 5% in the oil phase to improve stability, thickness, and texture.
• Conditioners & Hair Masks: 2% to 10% for thicker, more emollient formulations that apply easily and provide a silky finish.
• Body Butters: 3% to 10% for added viscosity and creamy feel. Helps maintain stability in rich formulations.
• Makeup Products: 1% to 5% to improve texture and spreadability.

How to Use Cetearyl Alcohol in Formulations

• Lotions & Creams: Add Cetearyl Alcohol to the heated oil phase (55°C/131°F) to melt and incorporate into emulsions. It helps stabilize and thicken, providing a rich texture and smooth feel.
• Conditioners & Hair Masks: Use Cetearyl Alcohol to boost viscosity and improve the product feel in haircare formulations. Combine it with other surfactants or conditioning agents for enhanced slip and smooth application.
• Body Butters: When used in body butter formulations, it adds thickness without creating a heavy feel, leaving skin soft and hydrated.
• Makeup Products: Enhances the smoothness and consistency of makeup products like foundations by incorporating Cetearyl Alcohol for an even, creamy application.

Storage Guidelines

• Storage: Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture to ensure the ingredient retains its efficacy and quality over time.
• Shelf Life: Up to 2 years from the date of manufacture when stored properly.

Safety Guidelines

• Safety: Cetearyl Alcohol is intended for external use only.
• Avoid direct contact with eyes and do not ingest.
• If irritation occurs, discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional.
• For pregnant individuals or those under medical supervision, consult a healthcare provider before use.

FAQs About Cetearyl Alcohol

1. What is Cetearyl Alcohol?

Cetearyl Alcohol is a blend of cetyl and stearyl alcohol, also known as cetostearyl alcohol, used as an emulsifier, stabilizer, and thickener in cosmetic formulations.

2. Is Cetearyl Alcohol natural?

Yes, it is typically derived from coconut and palm oils, making it a naturally sourced fatty alcohol.

3. What is Cetyl Stearyl Alcohol?

Cetyl Stearyl Alcohol refers to the two main fatty alcohols blended to form Cetearyl Alcohol, a common ingredient in lotions, creams, and conditioners.

4. Is Cetearyl Alcohol a surfactant?

Yes, it functions as a co-emulsifier surfactant, helping oil and water phases combine and remain stable.

5. How does Cetearyl Alcohol benefit skin and hair?

It provides emollience, improves spreadability, and enhances the rich, smooth texture of skincare and haircare products.