Cetearyl Alcohol, 500 g

Name: Cetearyl Alcohol, 500 g
SKU: EM001_500
Price: 9.99 EUR
Availability: InStock

Cetearyl Alcohol, 500 g

Cetearyl Alcohol is a mixture of fatty alcohols (mainly C16 cetyl and C18 stearyl alcohol) used in cosmetics as a co-emulsifier, thickener and emollient - it is... read more

In stock:

87 pkgs.

Product code:

EM001_500

Best before date:

11/2028

Batch:

10770

9,99 € incl. VAT

19,98 € / kg

SKLADOM pkgs.

Other product variants

439 pkgs.

Cetearyl Alcohol, 100 g Code: EM001_100

2,49 € (24,90 € / kg)

SKLADOM pkgs.

43 pkgs.

Cetearyl Alcohol, 1 kg Code: EM001_1000

14,99 € (14,99 € / kg)

SKLADOM pkgs.

Product description

Cetearyl Alcohol is a mixture of fatty alcohols (mainly C16 cetyl and C18 stearyl alcohol) used in cosmetics as a co-emulsifier, thickener and emollient - it is not an ethanol type "alcohol".
It is produced by processing fatty raw materials (often of vegetable origin, e.g. from oils) - the fatty acids/derivatives are technologically modified (hydrogenation/reduction) into fatty alcohols and fractionally blended into a stable mixture.
In emulsions it helps to build a creamy, "fuller" texture, reduces wateriness, promotes stability and improves sensory feel on application. In anhydrous products (balms, solid butters) it increases firmness and improves slip.

Key benefits

Co-emulsifier - promotes stability in emulsions and improves the consistency of creams and milks.
Oil phase thickener - increases viscosity, reduces "watery" impression and firms texture.
Emollient - softens the skin and improves slip.
Sensory enhancement - creamier feel, better spreadability, less "tackiness" when formulated appropriately.
More stable texture - helps reduce separation and viscosity fluctuations in emulsions.

Suitable for products such as

Creams, body lotions, butters (both O/W and W/O - to aid emulsification and texture).
Conditioners, hair masks (hair softening, better detangling, "creamy" feel).
Solid balms, make-up removing balms, cleansing balms (firming and better slip).
Deodorants and solid/cream body products (improved spreadability and consistency).
Shaving emulsions and after-shave products (fuller, more stable texture).

Use in formulation

Soluble in: oils and oil phase; insoluble in water.
Miscible with: vegetable oils, butters, esters and other lipophilic ingredients; suitable for anhydrous products and emulsions.
Compatible with: most emulsifiers (especially O/W) where it acts as a co-emulsifier and consistency ingredient.
Dosage (indicative): 0,5-3 % for fine thickening and texture improvement; 3-8 % for more firm and creamy texture; in balms, the dosage is tuned according to the desired hardness.
Technological procedure: added to the oil phase and melted (typically at 60-70 °C) together with the oils/butters; then proceed according to the type of emulsion and emulsifier chosen.

Safety and storage

Intended for cosmetic use; avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes.
Observe normal hygiene principles when working and use clean tools to avoid introducing contamination into the raw material.
Store in a tightly closed container, in a dry place, out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources.
For sensitive skin, we recommend testing the final product on a small area (especially with higher waxes/butters and perfumes).

Physical properties

Appearance: white to creamy flakes/pastilles (waxy solid).
Character: fatty alcohol - increases viscosity and forms a creamy texture in emulsions.
Thermal behaviour: melts in oil phase (process at higher temperatures to dissolve completely).

FAQ

What is the difference between cetearyl alcohol and cetyl alcohol?

Cetearyl alcohol is a mixture of (C16 + C18), while cetyl alcohol is predominantly C16. In practice, cetearyl often gives a "fuller" and more stable texture, cetyl tends to be slightly lighter; they can be partially substituted in formulations depending on the target.

Can I use it without an emulsifier, just as a thickener?

Yes, in anhydrous products (balms, solid butters) it works very well as a consistency ingredient. However, in products with water, it will not provide a stable emulsion on its own - an emulsifier is needed for this.

Why do I get a change in viscosity or a "waxy" feeling when the emulsion cools?

Fatty alcohols create a structure that stabilizes as the emulsion cools and matures. Viscosity change is common; it helps to fine tune the percentage of cetearyl alcohol, oil/water ratio and type of emulsifier.

Is it also suitable for conditioners if I am using cationic ingredients?

Yes, it is often combined with cationic conditioning ingredients as a texturizing and stabilizing ingredient. It is important to follow the correct technological procedure (melting in the oil phase and subsequent processing according to the recipe).

How to replace it if I do not have it in stock?

In simple recipes, cetyl or stearyl alcohol, or a combination of both, can be used in part. However, in emulsions, the emulsifier and viscosity may also need to be fine-tuned as the texture and stability may change.

To learn more about the benefits and uses of O/W and W/O emulsions, read our article "O/W or W/O?".
See also other emulsifiers in the Handymade.sk offer.