Cetyl Stearyl Alcohol (CSA)

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Cetyl Stearyl Alcohol (CSA), also known as Cetearyl Alcohol, is a blended fatty alcohol consisting primarily of cetyl (C16) and stearyl (C18) alcohols. It appears as white to pale yellow waxy flakes or pellets with a mild fatty odor. CSA is widely used in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and personal care products as an emollient, thickener, and co-emulsifier. It enhances texture, improves stability, and provides a smooth, velvety skin feel in formulations. Being a non-ionic surfactant, it also aids in stabilizing oil-in-water emulsions and is favored for its gentle nature on the skin and hair.

Description

Cetyl Stearyl Alcohol (CSA) 

Primary Uses 

  1. Cosmetics & Personal Care
  • Used extensively as an emollient and thickener in creams, lotions, conditioners, hair care products, and deodorants.
  • Functions as a co-emulsifier, stabilizing oil-in-water and water-in-oil emulsions, enhancing product texture and longevity.
  • Improves the sensory feel, spreadability, and moisturization of topical formulations.
  • Provides a smooth, non-greasy finish in lipsticks, balms, and other makeup products.
  1. Pharmaceuticals
  • Acts as a base and thickening agent in ointments, creams, and lotions for topical drug delivery.
  • Provides emollient properties and stabilizes medicated creams to enhance patient compliance and efficacy.

Secondary Uses 

  1. Industrial Applications
  • Used as a lubricant, anti-static agent, and processing aid in plastics, textiles, and rubber industries.
  • Employed in wax blends and coatings to improve surface texture and gloss.
  1. Hair Care Products
  • Incorporated in shampoos and conditioners for conditioning and smoothing effects.
  1. Personal Hygiene
  • Utilized in deodorant sticks and solid antiperspirant formulations to enhance hardness and stability.
KEY PRODUCT FEATURES

1. Basic Identification Attributes

  • Chemical Name (IUPAC): Mixture of hexadecan-1-ol and octadecan-1-ol
  • Common/Trade Name: Cetyl Stearyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Alcohol (CSA)
  • CAS Number: 67762-27-0 (mixture)
  • HS Code: 2905.43.00
  • Molecular Formula: C16H34O (cetyl alcohol), C18H38O (stearyl alcohol)
  • Molecular Weight: Approx. 242.45 g/mol (cetyl), 270.49 g/mol (stearyl)
  • Synonyms:
    • Cetearyl Alcohol
    • Cetostearyl Alcohol
    • CSA

2. Physical & Chemical Properties

  • Physical State: Solid flakes or pellets
  • Color & Odor: White to pale yellow; mild fatty odor
  • Melting Point: 48–57°C (118–135°F)
  • Boiling Point: Approx. 350°C (decomposes)
  • Density: ~0.81–0.83 g/cm³ at 20°C
  • Solubility:
    • Insoluble in water
    • Soluble in oils, ethanol, chloroform
  • Flash Point: ~190°C
  • Purity: Typically 95–100% combined cetyl and stearyl alcohols
  • Stability: Stable under normal storage and usage conditions

3. Safety & Hazard Attributes

  • Hazard Class (GHS): Not classified as hazardous
  • NFPA Ratings:
    • Health: 0
    • Flammability: 1
    • Reactivity: 0
  • Exposure Limits: None specifically established
  • Toxicity: Low toxicity; widely considered safe for cosmetic and pharmaceutical use
  • Reactivity: Stable, combustible at high temperatures

4. Storage & Handling Attributes

  • Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry place away from sources of ignition
  • Container Type: Sealed plastic drums or lined metal containers
  • Shelf Life: Up to 3 years if stored properly
  • Special Handling: Avoid dust formation; use PPE when handling bulk quantities

5. Regulatory & Compliance Attributes

  • FDA Status: Approved for use in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals
  • REACH Status: Registered
  • Transportation: Not regulated as hazardous
  • Waste Disposal: Follow local and regional regulations; biodegradable

6. Environmental & Health Impact

  • Ecotoxicity: Low environmental impact
  • Persistence: Biodegradable
  • Bioaccumulation: Not expected to bioaccumulate
  • Carcinogenicity/Mutagenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic or mutagenic
  • Biodegradability: Readily biodegradable
SAFETY HANDLING PRECAUTIONS

Safety Handling Precautions

  • PPE: Use gloves, protective eyewear, and dust masks if handling large quantities
  • Handling: Avoid inhalation of dust and contact with hot molten material
  • Storage: Keep containers tightly closed and away from heat or open flames
  • 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 respiratory symptoms occur
  • Skin Contact: Wash thoroughly with soap and water; seek medical advice if irritation develops
  • Eye Contact: Flush eyes with water for at least 15 minutes; consult a doctor if irritation persists
  • Ingestion: Low toxicity; rinse mouth and seek medical advice if large amounts are ingested

Firefighting Measures

  • Fire Hazards: Combustible material; burns with a smoky flame
  • Extinguishing Media: Use foam, dry chemical powder, CO₂, or water spray
  • Special Precautions: Firefighters should wear full protective gear and self-contained breathing apparatus
  • Decomposition Products: May emit carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and hydrocarbons when burned