Cetyl Alcohol
Cetyl alcohol is a versatile fatty alcohol primarily used in cosmetics, skincare, and haircare to moisturize, soften, and thicken products like lotions, shampoos, and conditioners. It acts as an emollient to smooth and lubricate the skin and hair, improves product texture and spreadability, and stabilizes formulations by preventing ingredients from separating. Cetyl alcohol also has industrial uses, such as in fuels, chemicals, and plastics, and is approved by the FDA for use as a food additive.
Uses in Cosmetics and Personal Care
Moisturizers:
It hydrates the skin, making it soft and smooth without clogging pores.
Hair Care:
It softens and detangles hair, improving the application and texture of shampoos and conditioners.
Makeup:
It enhances the texture and spreadability of products like lipsticks and concealers, helping color to adhere to the lips.
Cleansers:
It improves the overall feel and consistency of facial cleansers and body washes.
Sunscreen:
It makes sunscreens easier to apply by improving their spreadability and texture.
Functional Benefits
Emollient: Lubricates and softens the skin, preventing dryness.
Thickener: Adds body and viscosity to formulations.
Emulsifier: Helps to mix oil and water-based ingredients, stabilizing the product and preventing separation.
Opacifier: Gives products a rich, creamy appearance.
Other Applications
Industrial: Used as a lubricant in manufacturing, as a component of fuels and plastics.
Food Additive: Approved by the FDA for use in certain food products.
Considerations
Skin Sensitivity: While generally safe, individuals with sensitive skin, eczema, or allergic contact dermatitis should perform a patch test before use.
Cetyl alcohol
Experience the benefits of cetyl alcohol, a C-16 fatty alcohol, in this white waxy solid form. Discover the power of nature for your skincare routine!
- It is also known as hexadecan-1-ol and palmityl alcohol, is a C-16 fatty alcohol with the formula CH(CH)OH.
- At room temperature, cetyl alcohol takes the form of a waxy white solid or flakes.
- The name cetyl derives from the whale oil from which it was first isolated
