Cetyl Alcohol
ELFATTM – CTO
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Cetyl alcohol, also known as 1-hexadecanol, is a 16-carbon fatty alcohol used in cosmetics and personal care products. It acts as an opacifier, emulsifier, and thickening agent while also preventing…
CAS Number
36653-82-4
HS Code
3823.70.00
INCI Name
Cetyl Alcohol
Molecular Formula
C₁₆H₃₄O
Cetyl Alcohol
ELFATTM – CTO
Cetyl alcohol, also known as 1-hexadecanol, is a 16-carbon fatty alcohol used in cosmetics and personal care products. It acts as an opacifier, emulsifier, and thickening agent while also preventing skin dryness. It is deemed safe by the FDA for food and skin protectant use.
CAS Number
36653-82-4
INCI Name
Cetyl Alcohol
HS Code
3823.70.00
Molecular Formula
C₁₆H₃₄O
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Product Specification
Physical Properties
| Property | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | White solid |
| Odor | Faint odor |
| Molecular Weight (G/Mol) | 242.44 |
| Density Or Specific Gravity | 0.818 g/mL at 25 °C (lit.) |
| Viscosity | 3.394mm2/s |
| Refractive Index | nD79 1.4283 |
Chemical Properties
| Property | Specification |
|---|---|
| Pka | 15.20±0.10(Predicted) |
Thermal Properties
| Property | Specification |
|---|---|
| Melting Point | 48-50 °C (lit.) |
| Boiling Point | 179-181 °C/10 mmHg (lit.) |
| Flash Point | 175 °C |
Processing Methods & Reference Formulations
A. Cosmetic creams
Add Cetyl Alcohol to the oil phase and heat until fully melted. It acts as an emulsion stabilizer and thickener, contributing to a creamy, smooth texture and improved skin feel.
| Key Ingredients | Indicative Dosage (% w/w) |
|---|---|
| Water (Purified) | 66.75% |
| Glycerin | 6.00% |
| Cetyl Palmitate | 10.00% |
| Paraffinum Liquidum (Mineral Oil) | 8.00% |
| Cetyl Alcohol | 3.00% |
| Stearyl Alcohol | 3.00% |
| Cyclomethicone | 3.00% |
| Sorbitan Stearate | 2.00% |
| Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate | 1.50% |
| Phenoxyethanol | 0.80% |
| Methylparaben | 0.30% |
| Carbomer | 0.25% |
| Propylparaben | 0.10% |
| Sodium Hydroxide | 0.03% |
| Urea | 6.00% |
| Glucosyl Glycerides | 1.00% |
B. Hair conditioning shampoo
Add Cetyl Alcohol to the oil or surfactant phase and heat until fully melted. It enhances viscosity, provides a creamy texture, and improves the conditioning feel of the shampoo.
| Key Ingredients | Indicative Dosage (% w/w) |
|---|---|
| Steryl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride | 5.5 % |
| Ethylene glycol monostearate | 2.2% |
| Cetyl alcohol | 2.5% |
| Water | 80-90% |
| Water, Color, perfume, preservative etc. |
C. Sunscreen cream
Add Cetyl Alcohol to the oil phase and heat to ensure complete melting. It helps stabilize the emulsion, enhances spreadability, and improves the overall texture and skin feel of the sunscreen cream.
| Key Ingredients | Indicative Dosage (% w/w) |
|---|---|
| Avobenzone | 3% |
| Octocrylene | 5% |
| Isopropyl Myristate | 4% |
| Shea Butter | 3% |
| Cetyl Alcohol | 2% |
| Water | 70-80% |
| Glycerine | 4% |
| Xanthan Gum | 0.5% |
D. Makeup foundation lotion
Add Cetyl Alcohol to the oil phase of the foundation cream and heat to ensure proper melting and emulsification. Mix thoroughly to prevent graininess, and combine with the emulsifier for improved texture and stability. Cool the formulation slowly for optimal structure.
| Key Ingredients | Indicative Dosage (% w/w) |
|---|---|
| Stearic acid | 2% |
| Cetyl alcohol | 4% |
| Paraffin liquid | 20% |
| Dimethicone | 5% |
| Polysorbate 80 | 3.65% |
| Propylparaben | 0.02% |
| Propylene glycol | 5% |
| Xanthan gum | 0.3% |
| Methylparaben | 0.18% |
| Distilled water | 60-70% |
| Other additives |
Dosing Guidelines
A. Dosing by Application
| Products | Authorized dosage |
|---|---|
| Lotions & Creams | 1-5% |
| Shampoos & Conditioners | 1-7% |
| Anhydrous Products (e.g., Body Butters, Balms, Solid Bars) | 5-30% |
About Cetyl Alcohol
Cetyl Alcohol is a highly versatile fatty alcohol used extensively in personal care, cosmetics, pharmaceutical, and skincare formulations. Available as a white, waxy solid, it is naturally derived from plant oils or produced synthetically, making it suitable for a wide range of industry applications.
Known for its exceptional emulsifying properties, Cetyl Alcohol helps blend oil and water seamlessly, producing stable, smooth, and premium-quality formulations. From creams and lotions to conditioners and serums, its presence ensures consistent texture, improved spreadability, and enhanced performance.
As a thickening and structuring agent, it adds body, stability, and a creamy touch to formulations, making products more luxurious and consumer-friendly. Its mild emollient characteristics allow it to soften and moisturize both skin and hair, making it ideal for sensitive and hydration-focused applications.
To maintain optimum quality, Cetyl Alcohol should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from heat sources and direct sunlight, ensuring product stability and prolonged shelf life.
Leading Cetyl Alcohol manufacturers and suppliers ensure high-purity, industry-grade material that adheres to global standards, providing consistent performance in every batch. Trusted distributors offer timely delivery and tailored packaging solutions to meet the demands of diverse industries.
With its proven effectiveness, versatility, and stability, Cetyl Alcohol remains a cornerstone ingredient across the beauty and personal care sector.
Why Source Cetyl Alcohol Through Elchemy?
- Verified Cetyl Alcohol Manufacturer Network: Every cetyl alcohol producer in the Elchemy network is pre-audited for quality systems, purity consistency, and export track record before onboarding. You deal with one accountable partner instead of vetting unknown manufacturers and we manage supplier risk.
- Bulk Supply with Transparent Per-Kg Pricing: Source cetyl alcohol (CAS 36653-82-4) from sample quantities up to full container loads, priced per kg and scaled to your volume. Submit a requirement and receive a binding quote — price, lead time, and incoterm within 24 business hours.
- Cosmetic-Grade Quality, Full Documentation as Standard: Every order ships with Certificate of Analysis (COA), Technical Data Sheet (TDS), and GHS-compliant Safety Data Sheet (SDS) — the documents your QA and regulatory teams need to qualify the material. REACH and TSCA support available on request.
- Samples Dispatched in 24–48 Hours: Test before you commit. Pre-shipment, COA-backed samples of cetyl alcohol are dispatched within 24–48 hours of confirmation, so formulation trials and procurement decisions don't stall.
- Plant-Derived & Vegan-Friendly Sourcing Options: Cetyl alcohol is typically produced from palm or coconut-derived fatty acids. Elchemy can source vegetable-derived, vegan-suitable, and RSPO-credentialed material for brands building natural, clean-beauty, or cruelty-free supply chains.
- 40+ Country Reach with Market-Ready Compliance: Elchemy delivers to buyers across North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia, with documentation aligned to FDA, EU 1223/2009, ASEAN ACD, BIS, and other destination-market frameworks.
- Odorless: Won’t interfere with the fragrance of your product.
- Moisturizing: Adds subtle hydration for smoother application.
- Stable: Resists oxidation, ensuring product longevity.
- Emulsifying: Blends oil and water easily into smooth mixtures.
- Smooth Texture: Creates a creamy, luxurious consistency.
About Cetyl Alcohol
Cetyl Alcohol is a highly versatile fatty alcohol used extensively in personal care, cosmetics, pharmaceutical, and skincare formulations. Available as a white, waxy solid, it is naturally derived from plant oils or produced synthetically, making it suitable for a wide range of industry applications.
Known for its exceptional emulsifying properties, Cetyl Alcohol helps blend oil and water seamlessly, producing stable, smooth, and premium-quality formulations. From creams and lotions to conditioners and serums, its presence ensures consistent texture, improved spreadability, and enhanced performance.
As a thickening and structuring agent, it adds body, stability, and a creamy touch to formulations, making products more luxurious and consumer-friendly. Its mild emollient characteristics allow it to soften and moisturize both skin and hair, making it ideal for sensitive and hydration-focused applications.
To maintain optimum quality, Cetyl Alcohol should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from heat sources and direct sunlight, ensuring product stability and prolonged shelf life.
Leading Cetyl Alcohol manufacturers and suppliers ensure high-purity, industry-grade material that adheres to global standards, providing consistent performance in every batch. Trusted distributors offer timely delivery and tailored packaging solutions to meet the demands of diverse industries.
With its proven effectiveness, versatility, and stability, Cetyl Alcohol remains a cornerstone ingredient across the beauty and personal care sector.
Why Source Cetyl Alcohol Through Elchemy?
- Verified Cetyl Alcohol Manufacturer Network: Every cetyl alcohol producer in the Elchemy network is pre-audited for quality systems, purity consistency, and export track record before onboarding. You deal with one accountable partner instead of vetting unknown manufacturers and we manage supplier risk.
- Bulk Supply with Transparent Per-Kg Pricing: Source cetyl alcohol (CAS 36653-82-4) from sample quantities up to full container loads, priced per kg and scaled to your volume. Submit a requirement and receive a binding quote — price, lead time, and incoterm within 24 business hours.
- Cosmetic-Grade Quality, Full Documentation as Standard: Every order ships with Certificate of Analysis (COA), Technical Data Sheet (TDS), and GHS-compliant Safety Data Sheet (SDS) — the documents your QA and regulatory teams need to qualify the material. REACH and TSCA support available on request.
- Samples Dispatched in 24–48 Hours: Test before you commit. Pre-shipment, COA-backed samples of cetyl alcohol are dispatched within 24–48 hours of confirmation, so formulation trials and procurement decisions don't stall.
- Plant-Derived & Vegan-Friendly Sourcing Options: Cetyl alcohol is typically produced from palm or coconut-derived fatty acids. Elchemy can source vegetable-derived, vegan-suitable, and RSPO-credentialed material for brands building natural, clean-beauty, or cruelty-free supply chains.
- 40+ Country Reach with Market-Ready Compliance: Elchemy delivers to buyers across North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia, with documentation aligned to FDA, EU 1223/2009, ASEAN ACD, BIS, and other destination-market frameworks.
- Odorless: Won’t interfere with the fragrance of your product.
- Moisturizing: Adds subtle hydration for smoother application.
- Stable: Resists oxidation, ensuring product longevity.
- Emulsifying: Blends oil and water easily into smooth mixtures.
- Smooth Texture: Creates a creamy, luxurious consistency.
Regulatory Compliance
| Region | Max Allowed Level | Notes | Certification Body |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | - | Cetyl alcohol is permitted in cosmetics with no explicit statutory concentration limit. | - |
| European Union | - | Cetyl alcohol is not restricted by the EU Cosmetics Regulation and can be used in cosmetics at any safe concentration | SCCS (Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety) |
| India | - | No explicit BIS maximum for cetyl alcohol in cosmetics. | - |
| ASEAN | - | Cetyl alcohol is not on the prohibited or restricted ingredient lists under the ASEAN Cosmetic Directive | - |
| Japan | - | No explicit statutory maximum | - |
| Australia | - | No statutory maximum | - |
| China | - | No statutory maximum | - |
| Korea, Republic of | - | No statutory maximum | - |
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