Cetostearyl alcohol

Cetearyl alcohol

Cetylstearyl alcohol

(C16-C18) Alkyl alcohol

heptadecan-1-ol

C16-C18 alcohols

Cetyl Stearyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol in solid waxy pastille form, white in color with a neutral aroma. 

Alcohols, C16-18 

CAS no.: 67762-27-0

EC / List no.: 267-008-6

Cetyl Stearyl alcohol, also known as C16-18 cetostearyl or cetearyl alcohol, is a staple ingredient in cosmetic and personal-care formulations. 

Through the combination of cetyl and stearyl fatty alcohols, as its name suggests, this ingredient is created and is most known for stabilizing oil-in-water and water-in-oil emulsions, adding opacity to a product, increasing or stabilizing foam levels, and raising the viscosity of a liquid. 

Fatty alcohols, unlike ethanol alcohols, are natural emollients and preserve moisture in the skin and hair. 

Cetyl-stearyl alcohol is used in the manufacturing of a wide range of cosmetics such as body lotions, moisturizers, creams, shampoo, conditioner, mascara, lipstick, and hair dyes, to name a few.

Cetostearyl alcohol, cetearyl alcohol, or cetylstearyl alcohol is a mixture of fatty alcohols, consisting predominantly of cetyl (16 C) and stearyl alcohols (18 C), and is classified as a fatty alcohol. 

Cetostearyl alcohol is used as an emulsion stabilizer, an opacifying agent, a foam-boosting surfactant, and an aqueous and nonaqueous viscosity-increasing agent. Cetostearyl alcohol imparts an emollient feel to the skin and can be used in water-in-oil, oil-in-water, and anhydrous formulations. 

Cetostearyl alcohol is commonly used in hair conditioners and other hair products.

Cetostearyl Alcohol or Cetearyl Alcohol is widely used in moisturizers, creams, hair conditioners, and lotions. 

It belongs to a class of fatty alcohols that help soften the skin and stabilize formulations. 

Unlike denatured alcohol or isopropyl alcohol, which cause dryness and irritation, Cetostearyl Alcohol has emulsifying and thickening properties.

Derived from natural sources like coconut oil or palm kernel oil, Cetostearyl Alcohol is a combination of cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol. These are both waxy solids that help form smooth and stable emulsions. 

Cetostearyl Alcohol enhances product texture, prevents ingredient separation, and gives it a rich, creamy feel.

Skincare Benefits of Cetostearyl Alcohol

Cetostearyl Alcohol plays a key role in formulating products that are hydrating, luxurious in texture, and stable in composition. Here’s it benefits for your skin:

Acts as an Emollient to Soften Skin

Cetostearyl Alcohol forms an occlusive layer on the skin, helping trap moisture and prevent dehydration. 

It smoothes and softens the skin's surface, improving texture and giving a plump, nourished appearance. 

This makes it an ideal ingredient for dry or flaky skin.

Stabilizes Cream and Lotion Formulations

One of the most important roles of Cetostearyl Alcohol is its emulsifying ability. 

It helps blend oil and water components, preventing the product from separating over time. This creates a stable and uniform consistency that holds its shape and works effectively with every use.