Cetyl Alcohol

🧴 Cetyl Alcohol (Cetyl 1698) – Technical Summary

CAS No: 36653-82-4  Chemical Formula: C₁₆H₃₄O  Molar Mass: 242.44 g/mol

⚙️ Physical and Chemical Properties

• 🌡️ Melting Point: 49.3 °C

• 🔥 Boiling Point: 344 °C

• ⚡ Flash Point: 185 °C

• ⚖️ Density: 0.81 g/cm³

• 💧 Water Solubility: Insoluble

• 🍶 Soluble in alcohol, ether, chloroform

• 👁️ Appearance: White, waxy solid in flakes or pellets

• 🌸 Odor: Mild, clean, wax-like

• 🧪 Structure: Saturated long-chain primary fatty alcohol (C16)

🧴 Applications (Detailed)

Cosmetics & Personal Care – Used in creams, lotions, shampoos, conditioners, body butters, balms, and sticks – Functions as emulsifier, thickener, emollient, and slip agent

Food Industry – Multi-purpose food additive and flavoring agent – Used in decorative food applications

Pharmaceuticals – Excipient and thickener in ointments and cream bases

Industrial & Technical Uses – Lubricant for nuts and bolts – Stabilizer in paper and coating systems – Additive in cleaning and construction chemicals

🏭 Sector Compatibility Table

🧾 Synonyms

• Cetyl Alcohol

• Hexadecan-1-ol

• Palmityl Alcohol

• Hexadecyl Alcohol

• Cetanol

• Ethal

• Ethol

• Hexadecanol

🔄 Alternatives

• Stearyl Alcohol (C18) – Higher melting point, similar cosmetic functions

• Cetostearyl Alcohol – Blend of cetyl and stearyl, balanced performance

• Myristyl Alcohol (C14) – Shorter chain, lighter formulations

• Behenyl Alcohol (C22) – Firmer structuring in solid products

🏭 Production Method

• Derived from natural sources (coconut oil, palm kernel oil) or synthesized

• Produced via reduction of fatty acids to long-chain primary alcohols

• Typically involves esterification and hydrogenation processes

⚠️ Hazard Information

• 🚫 Not classified as hazardous under EC 1272/2008

• 👁️ May cause mild eye irritation

• 🧴 Low risk of allergic reaction in sensitive skin

• 🧪 Considered dermatologically safe in cosmetic use

• 🧼 Vegan-friendly and biodegradable

📦 Storage Conditions

• 🌡️ Store in a cool, dry, moisture-free environment

• 🧃 Keep in sealed packaging, away from direct sunlight

• 🧯 Despite high flash point, avoid ignition sources

• 🧪 For food and cosmetic grades, follow GMP-compliant storage

🧴 Cosmetics & Personal Care – Cetyl Alcohol Applications

🌿 Functional Roles

• Emulsifier Helps oil and water mix in creams and lotions, ensuring stable texture and shelf life.

• Thickener / Viscosity Modifier Increases the body and richness of formulations, giving a luxurious feel.

• Emollient Softens and smooths the skin by forming a protective barrier that reduces moisture loss.

• Slip Agent Improves spreadability and glide in hair conditioners and skin creams.

• Structuring Agent Provides firmness and shape in solid products like deodorant sticks, lip balms, and makeup pencils.

• Stabilizer Enhances product consistency and prevents phase separation in emulsions.

💇‍♀️ Hair Care Products

• Conditioners & Masks Adds creaminess, detangling effect, and smooth texture. Reduces static and frizz by coating the hair shaft.

• Shampoos Used in sulfate-free or conditioning shampoos to improve texture and reduce harshness.

🧴 Skin Care Products

• Moisturizers & Lotions Enhances skin feel, improves spreadability, and locks in hydration.

• Body Butters & Creams Contributes to a rich, non-greasy finish with long-lasting softness.

• Facial Cleansers Adds mildness and creaminess to cleansing emulsions.

💄 Decorative Cosmetics

• Lipsticks & Balms Provides structure, glide, and moisture retention.

• Foundation & BB Creams Improves texture, spreadability, and skin adherence.

• Makeup Removers Adds emollient properties for gentle cleansing.

🧪 Formulation Benefits

• Compatible with a wide range of emulsifiers, oils, and active ingredients

• Stable across pH 4–8

• Non-ionic, does not interfere with charged actives

• Vegan and biodegradable

• Low irritation potential, suitable for sensitive skin formulations