Cetyl Alcohol
1-Hexadecanol, Palmityl Alcohol, C16 Alcohol.
- CAS
- 36653-82-4
- EC
- 253-149-0
- Sectors
- Personal Care & Cosmetics, Pharma & Healthcare
Cetyl Alcohol (CAS 36653-82-4) is a C16 fatty alcohol supplied as a white solid in powder, flake or pellet form, used as an emollient and thickener that stabilizes oil and water phases in cosmetic and pharmaceutical emulsions and raises the viscosity of creams. This USP/NF Grade material is non-gelling and provides a velvety texture to skin care products. It acts as an effective emulsion stabilizer , ensuring that oil and water phases remain consistently blended over time. As a Specialty Chemical , it is valued for its opacifying properties and its ability to increase the viscosity of creams. It is compatible with a wide range of ionic and non-ionic surfactants.
Typical Properties
| Molecular formula | C16H34O |
|---|---|
| Molecular weight | 242.44 g/mol |
| Appearance | white solid |
| Form | Powder, Flakes or Pellets |
| Color | White to off-white |
| Odor | at 100.00 %. waxy clean greasy floral oily |
| Melting point | 49.3 °C |
| Boiling point | 334 °C @ Press: 760 Torr |
| Density | 0.8187 g/cm³ @ Temp: 50 °C |
| Water solubility | insoluble |
| Flash point | 275 °F |
| GHS signal word | Warning · Irritant / harmful |
| HS code | 29051990 |
| Grades available | Pharma Grade, Cosmetic Grade |
Typical literature values for identification; lot-specific results are stated on the certificate of analysis (COA) and the safety data sheet (SDS) that accompany every delivery.
Cetyl Alcohol
Applications
- Skin Care Emulsions: Primary thickener and texture enhancer in lotions, creams, and body butters.
- Hair Care: Used in conditioners to provide slip and improve the combability of wet hair.
- Pharmaceutical Ointments: Acts as a structural base and emollient for topical medicated treatments.
Safety & Risks
Generally recognized as safe (GRAS). Low toxicity profile; however, wear safety glasses and avoid prolonged skin contact with the molten form to prevent thermal burns.
Packaging
25 kg bags or 500 kg jumbo bags.