Preservatives(food)
Flavor Enhancers
Acidulants
Sweeteners
Antioxidants
Colorants(food)
Nutraceutical Ingredients (food)
Nutrient Supplements
Emulsifiers
Collectors
Dust Suppressants
Explosives and Blasting Agents
Flocculants and Coagulants
Frothers
Leaching Agents
pH Modifiers
Precious Metal Extraction Agents
Antioxidants(plastic)
Colorants (Pigments, Dyes)
Fillers and Reinforcements
Flame Retardants
Monomers
Plasticizers
Polymerization Initiators
Stabilizers (UV, Heat)
Antifoaming Agents
Chelating Agents
Coagulants and Flocculants
Corrosion Inhibitors
Disinfectants and Biocides
Oxidizing Agents
pH Adjusters
Scale Inhibitors( water)
Antioxidants(cosmetic)
Emollients
Fragrances and Essential Oils
Humectants
Preservatives
Surfactants(cosmetic)
Thickeners
UV Filters
Fertilizers
Soil Conditioners
Plant Growth Regulators
Animal Feed Additives
Biostimulants
Pesticides (Herbicides, Insecticides, Fungicides)
Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs)
Excipients
Solvents(pharmaceutical)
Antibiotics
Antiseptics and Disinfectants
Vaccine Adjuvants
Nutraceutical Ingredients (pharmaceutical)
Analgesics & Antipyretics
Analytical Reagents
Solvents(lab)
Chromatography Chemicals
Spectroscopy Reagents
microbiology-and-cell-culture-reagents
Molecular Biology Reagents
Biochemical Reagents
Inorganic and Organic Standards
Laboratory Safety Chemicals
Specialty Laboratory Chemicals(Special Laboratory Equipment)
Demulsifiers
Hydraulic Fracturing Fluids
Scale Inhibitors(oil)
Surfactants(oil)
Drilling Fluids
Dyes and Pigments
Bleaching Agents
Softening Agents
Finishing Agents
Antistatic Agents
Admixtures
Waterproofing Agents
Sealants and Adhesives
Curing Compounds
Concrete Repair Chemicals
Anti-Corrosion Coatings
Surfactants(cleaning)
Builders
Enzymes
Solvents (Cleaning)
Fragrances
Electronic Chemicals
Catalysts
Lubricants
Photographic Chemicals
Refrigerants
Automotive chemicals
Pyrotechnic Chemicals
Biodegradable Surfactants
Bio-based Solvents
Renewable Polymers
Carbon Capture Chemicals
Wastewater Treatment Chemicals
Pigments
Solvents(paint)
Specialty Coatings
Binders/Resins
Additives
Driers
Anti-Corrosion Agents
Functional Coatings
Application-Specific Coatings
Leavening Agents
Dough Conditioners
Flour Treatments
Fat Replacers
Decoratives
Preservatives(baking)
Plasticizers & Softeners
Reinforcing Agents
Adhesion Promoters
Vulcanizing Agents
Antidegradants
Blowing Agents
Fillers & Extenders
Accelerators & Retarders
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
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.
Ceto Stearyl Alcohol
Ceto Stearyl Alcohol 1618TA is a high-quality fatty alcohol blend primarily composed of cetyl (C16) and stearyl (C18) alcohols. It appears as a white, waxy solid or flakes with a mild fatty odor. This blend is widely used as an emollient, thickener, and co-emulsifier in cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and industrial formulations. Ceto Stearyl Alcohol 1618TA offers excellent lubricity, thickening, and stabilizing properties, enhancing the texture, consistency, and moisturizing characteristics of creams, lotions, and hair care products. It serves as a skin conditioning agent and contributes to the structural integrity of emulsions.
Cetyl Palmitate
Cetyl Palmitate is a naturally derived ester formed by the reaction of cetyl alcohol and palmitic acid. It appears as a white to off-white waxy solid with a mild fatty odor. This compound is widely used in cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and industrial formulations for its emollient, thickening, and texture-enhancing properties. Cetyl Palmitate imparts a smooth, creamy feel to products and contributes to improved stability and consistency in creams, lotions, balms, and ointments. Its film-forming and skin-conditioning attributes make it a preferred ingredient in personal care products as well as in specialty industrial applications.
Illipe Butter
Illipe Butter is a natural, hard vegetable fat derived from the nuts of the Shorea stenoptera tree, native to the rainforests of Borneo. Known for its high melting point and rich moisturizing profile, Illipe Butter is prized in cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and food applications for its emollient qualities and stability. It closely resembles cocoa butter in composition and function, making it a sustainable alternative in formulations requiring consistency and long shelf life. The butter appears as a pale yellow to off-white solid with a mild, neutral aroma.
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.
Lanolin Anhydrous
Lanolin Anhydrous is a purified, waxy substance derived from the sebaceous glands of sheep’s wool. It appears as a yellow to amber, semi-solid wax with a characteristic mild odor. Lanolin is highly valued for its excellent emollient, moisturizing, and protective properties, making it widely used in cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and personal care formulations. The anhydrous form is free from water, which enhances its stability and shelf life, and allows it to act as a natural barrier to lock moisture into the skin.
Olive Butter
Olive Butter is a natural, creamy, and rich emollient derived from cold-pressed olive oil combined with other natural butters (such as shea or cocoa butter) to create a luxurious skin-conditioning product. It is prized for its deep moisturizing, antioxidant-rich, and soothing properties, making it a popular ingredient in skincare, haircare, and cosmetic formulations. Olive Butter enhances skin elasticity, provides nourishment, and forms a protective barrier against environmental stressors.
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.
