Cetearyl Alcohol
What is Cetearyl Alcohol?
Cetearyl alcohol is classified as a fatty alcohol, a mixture of cetyl (16 C) and stearyl alcohols (18 C). It helps in stabilizing the emulsions, helps in preventing the separation of oil and water. It acts as foam boosting surfactant, and opacifying agent. It is commonly found in skincare and haircare products as an emollient, thickening agent, for improving the stability and quality of the product. It is found in shampoos, lotions, sunscreens, makeup products, etc.
Â
CAS No.:67762-27-0, 8005-44-5
Synonyms: Cetearyl alcohol, Cetostearyl alcohol, Cetyl/stearyl alcohol, Cetostearyl alcohol [NF]
Properties of Cetearyl Alcohol
| Physical Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C34H72O2 |
| IUPAC name | Hexadecan-1-ol;octadecan-1-ol |
| Molecular weight | 512.9 g/mol |
| Solubility | Very soluble in ether, benzene, and chloroform. Soluble in acetone. Slightly soluble in alcohol |
| Odor | Very faint, waxy |
| Density | 0.811 g/cm3 |
| Chemical Properties | |
| Color | White to Off-White |
| State | Waxy solid |
| Boiling point | 344 °C |
| Melting point | 51 – 53°C |
| LogP | 6.73 at 25℃ |
Uses of Cetearyl Alcohol
- Acts as a stabilizer and emulsifier, preventing oil and water from separating in the products.
- Provides thickness and luxurious texture to the creams and lotions.
- Cetearyl alcohol is an emollient that also helps in retaining the moisture and keeps the skin smooth and soft.
- Acts as surfactant and boosts the foaming in products like soaps and shampoos.
Side Effects of Cetearyl Alcohol
- In acne-prone skin, overusing cetearyl alcohol can clog the pores, leading to breakouts.
- Allergic contact dermatitis
- Skin irritation
| Pictograms : | Â Not applicable |
| Hazard Statements : | Not applicable |
| Precautionary statements : | Not applicable |
What is Cetearyl Alcohol?
Cetearyl alcohol is classified as a fatty alcohol, a mixture of cetyl (16 C) and stearyl alcohols (18 C). It helps in stabilizing the emulsions, helps in preventing the separation of oil and water. It acts as foam boosting surfactant, and opacifying agent. It is commonly found in skincare and haircare products as an emollient, thickening agent, for improving the stability and quality of the product. It is found in shampoos, lotions, sunscreens, makeup products, etc.
Â
CAS No.:67762-27-0, 8005-44-5
Synonyms: Cetearyl alcohol, Cetostearyl alcohol, Cetyl/stearyl alcohol, Cetostearyl alcohol [NF]
Properties of Cetearyl Alcohol
| Physical Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C34H72O2 |
| IUPAC name | Hexadecan-1-ol;octadecan-1-ol |
| Molecular weight | 512.9 g/mol |
| Solubility | Very soluble in ether, benzene, and chloroform. Soluble in acetone. Slightly soluble in alcohol |
| Odor | Very faint, waxy |
| Density | 0.811 g/cm3 |
| Chemical Properties | |
| Color | White to Off-White |
| State | Waxy solid |
| Boiling point | 344 °C |
| Melting point | 51 – 53°C |
| LogP | 6.73 at 25℃ |
Uses of Cetearyl Alcohol
- Acts as a stabilizer and emulsifier, preventing oil and water from separating in the products.
- Provides thickness and luxurious texture to the creams and lotions.
- Cetearyl alcohol is an emollient that also helps in retaining the moisture and keeps the skin smooth and soft.
- Acts as surfactant and boosts the foaming in products like soaps and shampoos.
Side Effects of Cetearyl Alcohol
- In acne-prone skin, overusing cetearyl alcohol can clog the pores, leading to breakouts.
- Allergic contact dermatitis
- Skin irritation
| Pictograms : | Â Not applicable |
| Hazard Statements : | Not applicable |
| Precautionary statements : | Not applicable |
FAQ's
No, cetearyl alcohol is generally considered as safe for sensitive and acne-prone skin and   is non-comedogenic in nature.
No, cetearyl alcohol is not bad for hair as it is a fatty alcohol, structurally different from other alcohols like ethanol or rubbing alcohol which has drying effects.
No, Cetearyl alcohol and cetyl alcohol are not the same. Cetearyl alcohol is a mixture of cetyl and stearyl alcohol whereas cetyl alcohol is a single compound.
