Cetyl Stearyl Alcohol (CSA)
Cetyl Stearyl Alcohol (CSA), also known as Cetearyl Alcohol, is a blended fatty alcohol consisting primarily of cetyl (C16) and stearyl (C18) alcohols. It appears as white to pale yellow waxy flakes or pellets with a mild fatty odor. CSA is widely used in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and personal care products as an emollient, thickener, and co-emulsifier. It enhances texture, improves stability, and provides a smooth, velvety skin feel in formulations. Being a non-ionic surfactant, it also aids in stabilizing oil-in-water emulsions and is favored for its gentle nature on the skin and hair.
Cetyl Stearyl Alcohol (CSA)
Primary Uses
- Cosmetics & Personal Care
- Used extensively as an emollient and thickener in creams, lotions, conditioners, hair care products, and deodorants.
- Functions as a co-emulsifier, stabilizing oil-in-water and water-in-oil emulsions, enhancing product texture and longevity.
- Improves the sensory feel, spreadability, and moisturization of topical formulations.
- Provides a smooth, non-greasy finish in lipsticks, balms, and other makeup products.
- Pharmaceuticals
- Acts as a base and thickening agent in ointments, creams, and lotions for topical drug delivery.
- Provides emollient properties and stabilizes medicated creams to enhance patient compliance and efficacy.
Secondary Uses
- Industrial Applications
- Used as a lubricant, anti-static agent, and processing aid in plastics, textiles, and rubber industries.
- Employed in wax blends and coatings to improve surface texture and gloss.
- Hair Care Products
- Incorporated in shampoos and conditioners for conditioning and smoothing effects.
- Personal Hygiene
- Utilized in deodorant sticks and solid antiperspirant formulations to enhance hardness and stability.
1. Basic Identification Attributes
- Chemical Name (IUPAC): Mixture of hexadecan-1-ol and octadecan-1-ol
- Common/Trade Name: Cetyl Stearyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Alcohol (CSA)
- CAS Number: 67762-27-0 (mixture)
- HS Code: 2905.43.00
- Molecular Formula: C16H34O (cetyl alcohol), C18H38O (stearyl alcohol)
- Molecular Weight: Approx. 242.45 g/mol (cetyl), 270.49 g/mol (stearyl)
- Synonyms:
- Cetearyl Alcohol
- Cetostearyl Alcohol
- CSA
2. Physical & Chemical Properties
- Physical State: Solid flakes or pellets
- Color & Odor: White to pale yellow; mild fatty odor
- Melting Point: 48–57°C (118–135°F)
- Boiling Point: Approx. 350°C (decomposes)
- Density: ~0.81–0.83 g/cm³ at 20°C
- Solubility:
- Insoluble in water
- Soluble in oils, ethanol, chloroform
- Flash Point: ~190°C
- Purity: Typically 95–100% combined cetyl and stearyl alcohols
- Stability: Stable under normal storage and usage conditions
3. Safety & Hazard Attributes
- Hazard Class (GHS): Not classified as hazardous
- NFPA Ratings:
- Health: 0
- Flammability: 1
- Reactivity: 0
- Exposure Limits: None specifically established
- Toxicity: Low toxicity; widely considered safe for cosmetic and pharmaceutical use
- Reactivity: Stable, combustible at high temperatures
4. Storage & Handling Attributes
- Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry place away from sources of ignition
- Container Type: Sealed plastic drums or lined metal containers
- Shelf Life: Up to 3 years if stored properly
- Special Handling: Avoid dust formation; use PPE when handling bulk quantities
5. Regulatory & Compliance Attributes
- FDA Status: Approved for use in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals
- REACH Status: Registered
- Transportation: Not regulated as hazardous
- Waste Disposal: Follow local and regional regulations; biodegradable
6. Environmental & Health Impact
- Ecotoxicity: Low environmental impact
- Persistence: Biodegradable
- Bioaccumulation: Not expected to bioaccumulate
- Carcinogenicity/Mutagenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic or mutagenic
- Biodegradability: Readily biodegradable
Safety Handling Precautions
- PPE: Use gloves, protective eyewear, and dust masks if handling large quantities
- Handling: Avoid inhalation of dust and contact with hot molten material
- Storage: Keep containers tightly closed and away from heat or open flames
- Hygiene: Wash hands after handling; avoid ingestion and eye contact
First Aid Measures
- Inhalation: Move to fresh air if dust inhaled; seek medical attention if respiratory symptoms occur
- Skin Contact: Wash thoroughly with soap and water; seek medical advice if irritation develops
- Eye Contact: Flush eyes with water for at least 15 minutes; consult a doctor if irritation persists
- Ingestion: Low toxicity; rinse mouth and seek medical advice if large amounts are ingested
Firefighting Measures
- Fire Hazards: Combustible material; burns with a smoky flame
- Extinguishing Media: Use foam, dry chemical powder, CO₂, or water spray
- Special Precautions: Firefighters should wear full protective gear and self-contained breathing apparatus
- Decomposition Products: May emit carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and hydrocarbons when burned
Related products
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Ceto Stearyl Alcohol
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Cetyl Alcohol Flakes
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Oleic Acid
Oleic Acid is a naturally occurring monounsaturated fatty acid commonly derived from vegetable oils such as olive, sunflower, and canola oils. This oily liquid is widely used in the chemical, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food industries due to its excellent emollient, surfactant, and stabilizing properties. Oleic Acid 75% is a key raw material in manufacturing soaps, detergents, lubricants, and personal care products. Its amphiphilic nature makes it an effective emulsifier and penetration enhancer.

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