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Cetyl Alcohol
Cetyl Alcohol, also known as 1-Hexadecanol or Palmityl Alcohol, is a fatty alcohol derived primarily from natural sources such as palm oil and coconut oil. It appears as a waxy, white to pale yellow solid with a faint fatty odor. Cetyl Alcohol is widely used in cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and industrial formulations due to its emollient, emulsifying, thickening, and stabilizing properties. It helps improve texture, consistency, and moisturizing effects in personal care products. Cetyl Alcohol is compatible with many ingredients, making it a versatile multifunctional ingredient.
Cetyl Alcohol
Primary Uses
Cosmetics & Personal Care
- Acts as an emollient and thickener in lotions, creams, conditioners, and hair care products.
- Used as an emulsifier and stabilizer in oil-in-water emulsions, improving product texture and consistency.
- Provides a smooth, non-greasy feel and helps to reduce the greasy texture of oils.
- Used in lipsticks and balms to enhance structure and application.
Pharmaceuticals
- Serves as a base and thickening agent in ointments, creams, and lotions.
- Used in topical formulations to improve texture, spreadability, and skin conditioning.
Secondary Uses
Industrial Applications
- Utilized as a lubricant and anti-static agent in plastics and textile processing.
- Used in the manufacture of surfactants and detergents as an intermediate or ingredient.
Food Industry
- Sometimes used as a processing aid or emulsifier in food packaging or coatings (subject to regulations).
Chemical Synthesis
Serves as an intermediate in the production of esters and other derivatives used in cosmetics and industrial chemicals.
1. Basic Identification Attributes
- Chemical Name (IUPAC): Hexadecan-1-ol
- Common/Trade Name: Cetyl Alcohol
- CAS Number: 36653-82-4
- HS Code: 2905.43.00
- Molecular Formula: C16H34O
- Molecular Weight: 242.45 g/mol
- Synonyms:
- 1-Hexadecanol
- Palmityl Alcohol
- Cetyl Hydroxide
2. Physical & Chemical Properties
- Physical State: Solid waxy flakes, beads, or pastilles
- Color & Odor: White to pale yellow; faint fatty odor
- Melting Point: 48–54°C (118–129°F)
- Boiling Point: ~344°C at atmospheric pressure
- Density: ~0.81 g/cm³ at 20°C
- Solubility:
- Insoluble in water
- Soluble in oils, ethanol, chloroform, ether
- Flash Point: Approximately 190°C
- Stability: Stable under normal storage; resistant to oxidation
3. Safety & Hazard Attributes
- Hazard Class (GHS): Not classified as hazardous
- NFPA Ratings:
- Health: 0
- Flammability: 1
- Reactivity: 0
- Exposure Limits: No specific occupational exposure limit
- Toxicity: Low toxicity; generally recognized as safe in cosmetics
- Reactivity: Chemically stable; combustible at high temperatures
4. Storage & Handling Attributes
- Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry place away from heat and ignition sources
- Container Type: Sealed plastic or metal containers to avoid contamination
- Shelf Life: Up to 3 years when stored properly
- Special Handling: Avoid dust formation; use PPE when handling large quantities
5. Regulatory & Compliance Attributes
- FDA Status: Approved for use in cosmetics (21 CFR 182.10)
- REACH Status: Registered
- Transportation: Not classified as hazardous
- Waste Disposal: Follow local regulations; biodegradable
6. Environmental & Health Impact
- Ecotoxicity: Low environmental toxicity
- Persistence: Biodegradable under environmental conditions
- Bioaccumulation: Not expected to bioaccumulate
- Carcinogenicity/Mutagenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic or mutagenic
- Biodegradability: Readily biodegradable
Safety Handling Precautions
- PPE: Gloves and safety goggles recommended for bulk handling
- Handling: Avoid creating dust; use in well-ventilated areas
- Storage: Keep container tightly closed, away from heat sources
- 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 breathing difficulties occur
- Skin Contact: Wash skin with soap and water; seek medical help if irritation develops
- Eye Contact: Rinse eyes with water for 15 minutes; consult physician if irritation persists
- Ingestion: Low toxicity; rinse mouth and seek medical advice if large amounts ingested
Firefighting Measures
- Fire Hazards: Combustible material; burns with a smoky flame
- Extinguishing Media: Use foam, dry chemical, CO₂, or water spray
- Special Precautions: Firefighters should wear protective gear and self-contained breathing apparatus
- Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and hydrocarbons
Related products
Almond Wax
Almond Wax is a natural, plant-based wax derived from the hydrogenation of almond oil (Prunus amygdalus dulcis). It is a creamy to white, semi-solid wax with a mild, nutty scent and excellent emollient properties. Almond Wax is rich in fatty acids and has a smooth, soft texture, making it ideal for use in cosmetic, personal care, and candle formulations.
Due to its gentle consistency, skin-friendly profile, and moisturizing capabilities, Almond Wax is widely used in body butters, balms, lip care products, massage bars, and artisan soaps. It functions as a natural alternative to petroleum-based waxes and provides structure, viscosity, and glide to formulations. It also finds application in soft wax blends for natural candle products.
Avocado Wax
Avocado wax is a natural plant-derived wax extracted primarily from the pulp and seed of the avocado fruit (Persea americana). It appears as a hard, yellowish wax with excellent emollient, film-forming, and moisturizing properties. Valued for its biodegradability, compatibility with various formulations, and sustainability, avocado wax is widely used as a natural alternative to synthetic waxes in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, food, and industrial applications.
Baobab Oil
Baobab Oil is a luxurious, cold-pressed oil extracted from the seeds of the Adansonia digitata (baobab) tree, native to Africa. Rich in omega fatty acids (especially omega-3, 6, and 9), vitamins A, D, E, and F, and powerful antioxidants, Baobab Oil is prized for its deep moisturizing, skin-rejuvenating, and anti-inflammatory properties. It is a light, non-greasy oil that absorbs quickly into the skin, making it ideal for a wide range of cosmetic and personal care applications.
Baobab Oil is especially suited for dry, sensitive, or mature skin. It supports skin elasticity, improves tone, and helps reduce the appearance of scars and stretch marks. In hair care, it nourishes and protects, leaving hair soft and manageable. Its natural stability and skin compatibility make it a premium ingredient in high-performance formulations.
Carnauba Wax
Carnauba Wax is a natural vegetable wax obtained from the leaves of the Copernicia prunifera palm tree, native to northeastern Brazil. It appears as a hard, brittle, yellow to brownish-yellow wax with a faint, characteristic odor. Known as the “queen of waxes,” Carnauba Wax is prized for its exceptionally high melting point, glossy finish, and excellent hardness. It is a premium wax widely used in cosmetics, food, pharmaceuticals, automotive, and industrial applications as a natural, biodegradable alternative to synthetic waxes. Its film-forming, emulsifying, and protective properties make it highly versatile for use in coatings, polishes, and skincare products.
Cetomacrogol PEG1000 (Ginonic CSA 20)
Cetomacrogol PEG (Ginonic CSA) is a polyethylene glycol-based nonionic surfactant and emulsifier with an average molecular weight of approximately 1000 Da. It appears as a white to off-white waxy solid or flakes with a neutral odor. This high-quality grade is widely used in cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and personal care formulations due to its excellent emulsifying, solubilizing, and moisturizing properties. Cetomacrogol PEG1000 (Ginonic CSA 20) facilitates stable oil-in-water emulsions, improves product texture and skin feel, and enhances the bioavailability of active ingredients. Its hydrophilic nature and compatibility with a wide range of ingredients make it a versatile additive in creams, lotions, ointments, and topical gels.
Dimethicone Silicon Oil
Dimethicone Silicon Oil, also known as polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) or silicone oil, is a clear, odorless, and non-volatile silicone-based polymer widely used for its lubricating, anti-foaming, water-repellent, and skin-conditioning properties. It is a linear silicone polymer composed of repeating dimethylsiloxane units. Dimethicone exhibits excellent thermal stability, chemical inertness, and low surface tension, making it highly versatile in pharmaceutical, cosmetic, personal care, industrial, and food applications. It is available in various viscosities, from very low to high viscosity oils, enabling tailored formulations.
Isopropyl Myristate
Isopropyl Myristate is a clear, colorless, and oily liquid ester formed by the reaction of isopropyl alcohol and myristic acid. It has a mild, pleasant odor and excellent spreading properties. IPM is widely used in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and industrial applications as an emollient, solvent, and penetration enhancer due to its ability to improve texture and absorption of topical formulations.
Petroleum Jelly
Petroleum Jelly is a semi-solid mixture of hydrocarbons, originally derived from petroleum refining. It is odorless, colorless (or slightly yellow), and known for its moisturizing, protective, and lubricating properties. Widely used in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and industrial applications, Petroleum Jelly forms a barrier on the skin that locks in moisture and protects against irritants. The 175kg packaging is typical for bulk industrial or large-scale cosmetic use.
