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Cetearyl Alcohol
INCI Name: Cetearyl Alcohol
Chemical Composition: A blend of Cetyl Alcohol (C16) and Stearyl Alcohol (C18), typically in a ~30:70 ratio
CAS Number: 67762-27-0EINECS Number: 267-008-6Type: Fatty alcohol blend (non-ionic)
Origin: Vegetable-derived (commonly from coconut or palm), or synthetic
Cetearyl Alcohol is a waxy, white solid used extensively in cosmetic and personal care formulations as a thickener, stabilizer, and emollient. It is composed of a blend of long-chain fatty alcohols—primarily cetyl and stearyl alcohols—that provide a balance between soft slip and structural integrity.
Unlike short-chain alcohols (ethanol, isopropanol), fatty alcohols are non-drying and contribute to a smooth, conditioning feel on skin and hair.
Physical & Chemical Properties
Property | Specification |
Appearance | White, waxy solid (flakes, beads, or pellets) |
Odor | Neutral to faint fatty |
Melting Point | ~48–56°C (118–133°F) |
Solubility | Insoluble in water; soluble in oils/alcohols |
Charge Type | Non-ionic |
pH (in water dispersion) | Neutral (5.5–7) |
Functions and Benefits
Thickener / Viscosity Enhancer: Builds body in lotions, creams, and butters.
Co-Emulsifier: Improves stability of emulsions by supporting primary emulsifiers.
Emollient: Softens skin and hair, leaving a silky afterfeel.
Opacifier: Creates a creamy, opaque appearance in emulsions.
Texture Modifier: Contributes to a luxurious, cushiony texture in products.
🔁 Functional Substitutes for Cetearyl Alcohol
Use Case | Common Alternatives | Notes |
Thickener / Structure | Cetyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol | Cetyl = softer feel; Stearyl = firmer, waxier texture. |
Rich, Creamy Texture | Behenyl Alcohol, Stearic Acid | Behenyl is waxier and more conditioning; stearic acid is harder and denser. |
Light, Silky Feel | Cetyl Alcohol, Myristyl Myristate | Lighter texture, faster skin absorption. |
Vegan / Palm-Free | Hydrogenated Rapeseed Alcohol, Brassica Alcohols | Suitable for palm-free or eco-conscious formulas. |
Conditioning in Hair Care | BTMS-25, BTMS-50 | Adds slip and detangling along with thickening power. |
💡 Formulator Tips
Compared to Cetyl Alcohol, cetearyl alcohol provides more structure and less slip.
Compared to Stearyl Alcohol, it melts at a slightly lower temperature and has a creamier texture.
If replacing with a single fatty alcohol, you may need to adjust oil phase percentages to maintain texture and stability.
Common Applications
Moisturizers, creams, and lotions
Hair conditioners and masks
Body butters and balms
Shaving creams
Emulsified scrubs
Solid bars (shampoo bars, lotion bars)
Usage Guidelines
Application | Recommended % Usage |
Lotions & creams | 2–6% |
Hair conditioners | 1–4% |
Balms & butters | 3–8% |
Solid cleansing bars | 3–8% |
Processing Note:
Add to oil phase of formulation.
Melt fully during heated phase and blend for even distribution.
Cetearyl Alcohol is a versatile fatty alcohol blend valued for its thickening, stabilizing, and emollient properties. It is a formulator’s go-to for achieving stable, creamy emulsions with a rich skin feel in both hair and skin care products. Its balance between softness and structure makes it a more flexible choice than single-chain fatty alcohols like cetyl or stearyl alcohol.