Cetearyl Alcohol

Cetearyl Alcohol – Technical & Clean Standards Overview

Cetearyl alcohol is a cosmetic-grade blend of fatty alcohols, primarily cetyl alcohol (C16) and stearyl alcohol (C18), used to improve structure, stability, and sensory performance in skin care and personal care formulations. It is a white, waxy solid derived from plant-based renewable sources or equivalent synthetic processes and is not a drying alcohol.

Technical Properties

• INCI Name: Cetearyl Alcohol

• Composition: Blend of cetyl (C16) and stearyl (C18) alcohols

• Appearance: White flakes or pellets; waxy solid

• Melting Range: Approximately 48–56 °C (118–133 °F) (grade dependent)

• Solubility: Insoluble in water; soluble in oils and fatty phases

The blended chain lengths provide a balanced melt profile that contributes both structure and flexibility in emulsions.

Functional Role in Cosmetics

Cetearyl alcohol is multifunctional and commonly used to:

• Thicken and structure creams and lotions

• Stabilize emulsions, improving long-term product integrity

• Enhance texture and slip, creating a smooth, creamy skin feel

• Condition skin and hair, improving softness and manageability

It is widely used in moisturizers, lotions, conditioners, masks, sunscreens, and cleansing creams.

Typical Use Levels

Use levels vary by formulation goal:

• 1–3% for light thickening and stabilization

• 3–6% for standard creams and lotions

• 6–10% for rich, highly structured emulsions and hair treatments

Cetearyl alcohol is often paired with emulsifiers to optimize stability and sensory performance.

Clean Standards & Safety Profile

• Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR): Determined safe for use as intended

• Environmental Working Group (EWG): Score 1 (Low Hazard)

• GRAS Status: Not applicable (GRAS applies to food ingredients, not cosmetics)

• Skin Compatibility: Non-drying, low irritation potential, and well tolerated

• Biodegradability: Readily biodegradable in cosmetic applications

Retailer Clean Compatibility

Cetearyl alcohol is widely accepted under major retailer clean standards because it:

• Is a fatty alcohol, not a volatile or denatured alcohol

• Has a long history of safe cosmetic use

• Is available in plant-derived, vegan-friendly grades

• Supports product stability and consumer safety

• Is compatible with silicone-free, PEG-free, and sulfate-free formulations (grade dependent)