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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
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.
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.
Candelilla Wax
Candelilla Wax is a natural vegetable wax derived from the leaves of the Euphorbia cerifera shrub, native to northern Mexico and the southwestern United States. It appears as a hard, brittle, light yellow to brown wax with a mild, characteristic odor. This wax is valued for its high melting point, gloss-enhancing properties, and excellent binding capabilities. It is widely used in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, food, and industrial applications as a vegan alternative to beeswax. Its film-forming, emollient, and stabilizing attributes make it a multifunctional ingredient across several industries.
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.
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.
Fully Refined Paraffin Wax
Fully Refined Paraffin Wax is a highly purified, odorless, white to pale yellow wax obtained from the refining of petroleum-derived crude paraffin wax. It consists primarily of saturated hydrocarbons (alkanes) with chain lengths typically between C20 and C40. Due to its excellent chemical stability, non-toxicity, and versatility, Fully Refined Paraffin Wax is widely used across numerous industries including cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, food packaging, candle making, rubber processing, and electrical insulation. It exhibits a high melting point, low volatility, and good water resistance.
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.
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.
