Cetyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol widely used in skin care and cosmetic formulations. Despite its name, cetyl alcohol is not the kind of alcohol that dries out your skin. Instead, it belongs to the fatty alcohol family and has emollient properties.
Cetyl alcohol is a long-chain fatty alcohol with the chemical formula C16H34O. It is derived from natural sources such as coconut oil or palm oil.
Cetyl alcohol is a white waxy solid at room temperature. It has a mild odor and is insoluble in water but soluble in oils and other fatty substances.
Functions in skin care and cosmetics
- Emollients: Cetyl alcohol acts as an emollient, helping to soften and smooth the skin's surface by forming a protective barrier.
- Emulsifier: It acts as an emulsifier in formulations, facilitating the mixing of oil and water-based ingredients to form a stable and well-mixed product.
- Thickener: Cetyl alcohol can increase the viscosity and texture of creams and lotions, giving them a luxurious creamy feel.
- Stabilizer: It helps to stabilize the formula and prevent the different ingredients from separating.
benefit
- Moisturizing: Cetyl alcohol helps lock in moisture and prevent moisture loss from the skin.
- Smooth Texture: Its emollient properties help create a smooth, soft skin texture.
- Enhances product performance: Cetyl alcohol improves the overall performance of skin care products and cosmetics, making them more stable and enjoyable to use.
Common uses
Cetyl alcohol is found in a variety of skin care products and cosmetics, including moisturizers, creams, lotions, conditioners, and cosmetics.
Precautions
Cetyl alcohol is well tolerated by most people and is considered safe for use in cosmetics and personal care products.
It is often used in formulations along with other emollients, humectants and active ingredients to create balanced products.
Regulatory approval
Cetyl alcohol is approved by regulatory agencies in several countries for use in cosmetics and personal care products. It meets safety and quality standards for skin care applications.
As with any skin care ingredient, individual reactions may vary. If you have a specific skin concern or condition, it is recommended to perform a patch test or consult a dermatologist before using products containing cetyl alcohol, especially if you have a history of skin sensitivities or allergies.
