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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 UsesÂ
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 UsesÂ
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, COâ‚‚, 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 Butter
Almond Butter is a smooth, creamy paste made by grinding roasted or raw almonds into a nutrient-rich spread. It retains the natural oils and flavor of almonds, offering a mild, nutty aroma and rich, buttery texture. Almond Butter is packed with monounsaturated fats, protein, vitamin E, magnesium, and antioxidants, making it a highly valued ingredient in the food, nutraceutical, and personal care industries.
In cosmetics and skincare, Almond Butter is prized for its emollient properties, making it a popular base for creams, balms, and body butters. It provides skin-softening, moisturizing, and barrier-protecting benefits. In the food and beverage industry, it is used as a spread, in smoothies, baked goods, energy bars, and dairy alternatives. It is also included in specialty pet food and wellness formulations.
Aloe Vera Oil
Aloe Vera Oil is an oil-based extract derived by infusing Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis) leaves into a carrier oil such as coconut, soybean, or sunflower oil. It captures the beneficial compounds of aloe—including polysaccharides, vitamins, enzymes, and amino acids—in an oil-soluble form ideal for cosmetic, therapeutic, and personal care applications. Known for its soothing, anti-inflammatory, and moisturizing properties, Aloe Vera Oil is widely used in skin and hair care formulations.
This gentle, skin-friendly oil is suitable for sensitive skin and is commonly employed in after-sun products, healing ointments, massage oils, and anti-aging creams. It provides hydration, calms irritation, and promotes skin regeneration while adding emollient and conditioning benefits.
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.
Beeswax
 Beeswax is a natural wax produced by honeybees of the genus Apis. It is secreted by worker bees from specialized glands and used to build honeycomb cells. Beeswax is a complex mixture of esters, fatty acids, and hydrocarbons, characterized by a pale yellow to brown color, a pleasant honey-like aroma, and a firm yet pliable texture. It has excellent emulsifying, binding, and protective properties, making it widely used in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, food, and industrial applications. Beeswax is prized for its natural origin, biodegradability, and skin-friendly characteristics.
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.
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.
Isopropyl Palmitate
Isopropyl Palmitate IPP is a clear, colorless to pale yellow oily liquid formed by the esterification of isopropyl alcohol and palmitic acid. It has a mild odor and is widely used in cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and industrial formulations as an emollient, lubricant, and solvent. IPP is valued for its excellent skin absorption, non-greasy feel, and ability to improve texture and spreadability of topical products.
Jojoba Wax
Jojoba Wax is a natural, golden-yellow to amber-colored wax ester extracted from the seeds of the jojoba plant (Simmondsia chinensis). Unlike traditional vegetable oils, jojoba wax is chemically a liquid wax, known for its excellent stability, moisturizing properties, and similarity to human sebum. It is odorless or mildly nutty and is widely used in cosmetics, personal care, and pharmaceutical applications as an emollient, thickener, and skin conditioning agent.
