Wholesale Cosmetic Grade Emulsifier & Emollient Cetyl Alcohol Supplier, Companies

Products Name Cetyl alcohol
CAS No 36653-82-4
INCI Name Cetyl alcohol
Composition  Cetyl alcohol
Molecular Weight 242.44
Chemical Formula C16H34O
Appearance White to off-white flakes or pastilles
Solubility Water-insoluble, partially solubility in hot water (1.34x10-5 g/l); soluble in diethyl ether and acetone, slightly soluble in alcohol

Product Description

💡 Product Description

Cetyl Alcohol

Cetyl Alcohol, chemically known as hexadecanol, has the molecular formula C₁₆H₃₄O. It is a long-chain fatty alcohol derived from natural oils (such as coconut oil or palm oil) or synthesized industrially. At room temperature, it appears as a white waxy solid with a mild fatty odor. It is insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents like ethanol and ether.

Cetyl Alcohol is a high-purity, plant-derived fatty alcohol that serves as an exceptional emulsifier, thickener, and emollient in professional cosmetic formulations. This versatile white waxy solid delivers multiple functional benefits while enhancing the sensory profile of skincare, haircare, and personal care products.

Key Benefits

Stable Emulsification - Creates rich, stable emulsions in creams & lotions
Luxurious Texture - Imparts a velvety, non-greasy feel to formulations
Viscosity Control - Thickens aqueous systems without compromising spreadability
Skin Barrier Support - Helps maintain moisture for softer, smoother skin
Excellent Compatibility - Blends seamlessly with both natural and synthetic ingredients

Functional Benefits

Thickeners

Emulsification and Thickening

Acts as a non-ionic emulsifier to blend oil and water phases, forming stable emulsions (e.g., creams, lotions) and preventing formula separation. Enhances product consistency and texture, improving smoothness during application.

Actives

Emolliency and Skin Feel

Creates a lightweight, breathable barrier on the skin to reduce moisture loss and enhance hydration. Imparts a silky texture to products, minimizing stickiness and improving user experience.

Emulsifiers

Stability Enhancement

Improves the physical stability of formulations, extending shelf life. Works synergistically with other ingredients like surfactants to optimize overall performance.

Botanical Extracts

Mild Safety Profile

Low irritation, suitable for sensitive skin and baby products. Rarely causes comedogenicity or allergic reactions, validated by dermatological testing.

🛠️ Formulation & Use

Usage Guide

In cosmetics formulation, Cetyl Alcohol is typically dissolved in the oil phase during heating at 60–80°C before being combined with the water phase to create emulsions. It can be directly blended with other oils and waxes like stearic acid and beeswax.

1–5% Skin care products like face creams and serums

0.5–3% Hair and body care items such as shampoos and conditioners

2–6% Color cosmetics including lipsticks and foundations

For optimal performance, it is often paired with cetearyl alcohol or stearyl alcohol to fine-tune consistency and skin feel, and combined with humectants like glycerin or hyaluronic acid to boost moisture retention.

🚀 Applications

Skin Care

Skin Care

Used in face creams, lotions, eye creams, serums, and sunscreens to emulsify and improve texture.

Hair & Body Care

Hair & Body Care

Found in shampoos, conditioners, and body washes to enhance foam stability and smoothness.

Color Cosmetics

Color Cosmetics

Serves as a base for lipsticks, foundations, and mascara, providing long-lasting effects.

Baby Care

Baby Care

Gently moisturizes and forms a protective barrier in baby creams and diaper rash balms.

🌿 Product Attributes

storage

Storage
Dry place at room temp

animal testing

Animal Testing
Not animal tested

vegan

Vegan
Plant-derived

gmo

GMO
No data available

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cetyl Alcohol a drying alcohol?
No. Unlike simple alcohols (like ethanol or isopropyl alcohol), Cetyl Alcohol is a fatty alcohol. It is non-drying and actually helps to moisturize the skin and protect the skin barrier.
How do I incorporate Cetyl Alcohol into my formulation?
It should be added to the oil phase of your formulation and heated to approximately 60–80°C until fully melted before emulsifying with the water phase.
Is this product suitable for vegan formulations?
Yes, our Cetyl Alcohol is plant-derived (typically from coconut or palm oil) and does not contain any animal-derived components.
What is the recommended usage rate for a face cream?
For standard face creams and serums, a concentration of 1% to 5% is generally recommended, depending on the desired thickness and skin feel.
Can it be used in "tear-free" or baby products?
Yes, it has a very mild safety profile and low irritation potential, making it ideal for sensitive skin and baby care products.
What is the shelf life and storage requirement?
It should be stored in a closed container in a dry place at room temperature. Its stable chemical properties make it resistant to oxidation.

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