Cetyl Alcohol
- Co-Emulsifier
- Thickener
- Emollient
- Viscosity Enhancer
| INCI | Cetyl Alcohol |
|---|---|
| Uses |
|
| Type | Naturally Derived |
| Kind | Fatty Alcohol |
| Also Called |
|
| Optimal pH | suitable for a wide range |
| Usage Guidelines | 1% to 3% |
| Formulation Stage | Heated oil phase |
| Form | White waxy pellets |
| Scent | Mild, barely noticeable odour |
| Solubility | Oil soluble |
| Derived From | Palmitic Acid combined with vegetable triglycerides |
| Products | Creams, Lotions, Body Butters, Bars and Conditioners |
What is Cetyl Alcohol?
Cetyl alcohol is a naturally-derived fatty alcohol that acts as an emollient, co-emulsifier and thickener in cosmetic formulation. Derived from palmitic acid and vegetable triglycerides, cetyl alcohol enhances the viscosity of formulas, creating richer and more decadent products with a soft and smooth finish.
Benefits of cetyl alcohol for skin and hair care
Cetyl alcohol has a wide range of uses, making it a great functional ingredient to include in your formulations. It not only stabilises emulsions, but it adds body and texture that helps moisturisers with lower percentages of oil to still feel luxurious. In anhydrous products, it can significantly reduce tackiness and heaviness that can often be associated with oil-based moisturisers.
How to use cetyl alcohol in formulations
For emulsions, a small amount of cetyl alcohol will enhance viscosity and create a more stable formula. When used in conjunction with an emulsifying wax, cetyl alcohol creates a creamier texture whilst still keeping products light. As an emollient, cetyl alcohol can be added to anhydrous and emulsified products in lieu of or in combination with butters to minimise heaviness and create a softer moisturiser.