• Increases viscosity and improves product texture
• Gives soft, velvety after-feel without greasiness
• Stabilizes emulsions and prevents separation
• Acts as a secondary emulsifier in O/W systems
• Improves combability in conditioners and hair masks

Cetyl Alcohol – Emollient & Thickener for Creams, Lotions & Conditioners

 Cetyl Alcohol is a cosmetic-grade fatty alcohol derived from coconut or palm oil, widely used in personal care products for its multifunctional benefits. It acts as a co-emulsifier, stabilizer, and skin-conditioning agent, giving products a smooth, creamy consistency. Unlike drying alcohols, Cetyl Alcohol is non-irritating and moisturizing, making it ideal for dry and sensitive skin products. It also enhances spreadability and texture in lotions, balms, hair masks, and body butters.

INCI Name: Cetyl Alcohol

CAS Number: 36653-82-4

Solubility: Oil-soluble, insoluble in water

Add Phase: Heated oil phase

pH Stability: 4.0 – 8.5

Processing Temperature: 60–75°C

Appearance: White, waxy pellets or flakes

Odor: Slight fatty odor

Molecular Formula: C16H34O

Molecular Weight: 242.44 g/mol

Flash Point: > 150°C

Density: ~0.81 g/cm³

Chemical Type: Fatty alcohol (non-ionic)

Functional Groups: Hydroxyl (-OH)

Primary Cosmetic Uses: Creams, lotions, conditioners, masks, butters

• Usage Rate: 1% – 6%
• Phase: Add to oil phase (melt during heating)
• Ideal For: Lotions, Conditioners, Body Butters, Balms, Hair Masks

🌿 Blend Cetyl Alcohol with emulsifying wax to create stable emulsions with a buttery texture that won't separate — perfect for thick creams or whipped balms.

✔️ Excellent for dry, normal, and sensitive skin

✔️ Safe for baby care and hypoallergenic products

✔️ Non-comedogenic and non-irritating

✔️ Excellent for dry, normal, and sensitive skin

✔️ Safe for baby care and hypoallergenic products

✔️ Non-comedogenic and non-irritating

Serums
⭐☆☆☆☆ – Poor
🟥⬜⬜⬜⬜ – Not suitable for aqueous or thin serums.



Creams & Lotions
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Excellent
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 – Adds viscosity, texture, and stability.



Toners
☆☆☆☆☆ – Not Suitable
🟥⬜⬜⬜⬜ – Not compatible with water-based sprays.



Face Masks
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Good
🟩🟩🟩🟩⬜ – Helps cream masks hold shape and spread easily.



Cleansers
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Good
🟩🟩🟩🟩⬜ – Softens and conditions in cream and balm cleansers.



Hair Masks
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Excellent
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 – Improves feel, slip, and structure.



Deodorants
⭐⭐⭐☆☆ – Moderate
🟧🟧🟧⬜⬜ – Suitable in stick and cream deodorants.



Eye Creams
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Good
🟩🟩🟩🟩⬜ – Non-irritating and stabilizing.



Shampoos
⭐☆☆☆☆ – Poor
🟥⬜⬜⬜⬜ – Rarely used in clear shampoo formulations.



Soaps
⭐⭐☆☆☆ – Fair
🟧🟧⬜⬜⬜ – Can be used in syndet bars or melt-and-pour bases.



Conditioners
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Excellent
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 – Enhances slip, creaminess, and application.



Lip Balms
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Good
🟩🟩🟩🟩⬜ – Adds silky smooth feel and soft texture.



Body Butters
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Excellent
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 – Key structuring agent for thick body butters.



Ointments
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Good
🟩🟩🟩🟩⬜ – Works as a mild thickener in therapeutic bases.

Q1: Is Cetyl Alcohol drying like ethanol?

A1: No — it's a fatty alcohol and acts as a moisturizer, not a drying agent.

Q2: Can it be used in cold-process products?

A2: No — it needs to be melted during the oil phase in hot processing.

Q3: Is it vegan?

A3: It can be derived from coconut or palm, so confirm the source if vegan certification is required.