cetyl alcohol

Cetyl alcohol is a long-chain fatty alcohol (C16H34O) primarily used in cosmetics and personal care products as an emollient, emulsifier, thickener, and opacifier. It forms a waxy white solid or flakes at room temperature and is insoluble in water but soluble in oils and organic solvents. Cetyl alcohol helps stabilize emulsions by preventing the separation of oil and water components, improves product texture and viscosity, enhances moisture retention by forming an occlusive barrier on the skin or hair surface, and provides a non-greasy feel to formulations. It is considered safe for use in food (as a synthetic fatty acid) under specific purity conditions per FDA regulations. While generally well-tolerated, it may cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals but is also included as an ingredient in some eczema treatments due to its moisturizing properties[1][3][4][5][7].

Other names

1-hexadecanolhexadecan-1-olhexadecan1-olhexadecan 1-olpalmityl alcoholn-hexadecyl alcoholcetanolhexadecyl alcohol