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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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Fatty Acid
Fatty acids are a group of carboxylic acids consisting of long aliphatic chains, which can be either saturated or unsaturated. They are typically derived from natural fats and oils through hydrolysis or saponification and appear as colorless to pale yellow liquids or solids depending on the chain length and degree of saturation. Fatty acids are fundamental building blocks in biochemistry and industrial chemistry, serving as raw materials in the manufacture of soaps, detergents, lubricants, cosmetics, plastics, and food additives. Their amphiphilic nature—containing both hydrophilic (carboxyl group) and hydrophobic (alkyl chain) components—makes them versatile for various chemical and 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.
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.
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.
