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Cetyl Stearyl Alcohol (CSA)
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.
Cetyl Stearyl Alcohol (CSA)
Primary Uses
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- Hair Care Products
- Incorporated in shampoos and conditioners for conditioning and smoothing effects.
- Personal Hygiene
- Utilized in deodorant sticks and solid antiperspirant formulations to enhance hardness and stability.
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
- 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
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