Cetyl Alcohol

Cetyl Alcohol 

Cetyl Alcohol is a high–molecular weight, saturated fatty alcohol composed primarily of C16 cetyl alcohol. It is typically derived from renewable vegetable sources such as palm or coconut oil through the hydrogenation of naturally occurring fatty acids, followed by fractionation and purification to achieve a consistent carbon-chain profile. This process does not involve ethoxylation, sulfation, or petrochemical modification, making Cetyl Alcohol well suited for clean and natural-leaning cosmetic formulations.

In cosmetic and personal care formulations, Cetyl Alcohol functions as a viscosity builder, structuring agent, co-emulsifier, and emollient. It contributes to the formation and stabilization of lamellar gel networks within emulsions, improving product body, enhancing stability, and delivering a smooth, cushiony sensory profile. Compared to longer-chain fatty alcohols, Cetyl Alcohol imparts a lighter, more slip-forward feel, making it particularly useful in lotions, conditioners, and creams designed for elegant spreadability.

From a Clean Standards and safety perspective, Cetyl Alcohol has an extensive history of safe cosmetic use and broad global regulatory acceptance. It is non-ethoxylated, biodegradable, non-comedogenic, and not classified as a skin irritant or sensitizer when used at standard cosmetic concentrations. Safety assessments support its use in both rinse-off and leave-on applications, including products formulated for sensitive skin. When responsibly sourced and manufactured to cosmetic-grade specifications, Cetyl Alcohol aligns with clean beauty principles, ingredient transparency initiatives, and EWG-aligned safety expectations.

Ingredient Identification

• INCI Name: Cetyl Alcohol

• CAS Number: 36653-82-4 / 112-92-5 (mixed fatty alcohol sources)

Physical & Technical Properties

• Appearance: White to off-white solid flakes or pellets

• Melting Point: Approximately 49–52 °C

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

• Functional Role: Lipophilic structuring agent, viscosity builder, co-emulsifier

Typical Usage Levels (Skincare & Haircare)

• Lotions: 0.5–2.0% (viscosity and slip enhancement)

• Creams: 1.0–3.0% (structure and stability support)

• Conditioners & Masks: 1.0–4.0% (thickening and sensory improvement)

• Body Butters & Balms: 1.0–5.0% (texture and firmness control)

Actual usage levels may vary depending on emulsifier system, oil-phase composition, and desired final viscosity.

Formulation Compatibility & Common Combinations

Cetyl Alcohol is commonly formulated with:

• Stearyl Alcohol or Cetearyl Alcohol to balance structure and sensory feel

• Glyceryl Stearate or Glyceryl Stearate SE for emulsion reinforcement

• Emulsifying wax systems to improve creaminess and long-term stability

• Vegetable oils, esters, and butters to optimize oil-phase structure

In emulsions, Cetyl Alcohol is added to the oil phase and heated above its melting point to ensure uniform incorporation and stable emulsion formation.

Regulatory & Safety Notes

• Regulatory Status: Approved for cosmetic use globally, including the United States and European Union, with no specific concentration limits beyond Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)

• California Proposition 65: Not listed

• EWG Context: Generally categorized as low hazard based on available topical safety data

• Irritation & Sensitization: Not classified as irritating or sensitizing at standard cosmetic usage levels

• Clean Beauty Compatibility: Non-ethoxylated, biodegradable, and compatible with clean, natural-leaning, and minimalist formulation standards when responsibly sourced