Cetyl Alcohol
Emollient and thickener that softens and stabilizes formulations.
What is Cetyl Alcohol?
CAS Number
36653-82-4
Formula
C16H34O
Molecular Weight
242.44 g/mol
Also known as: cetyl alcohol, Hexadecan-1-ol, Palmityl alcohol, Cetanol, Hexadecyl alcohol
What does Cetyl Alcohol do for skin?
Cetyl Alcohol functions primarily as an emollient, forming a hydrophobic occlusive film on the stratum corneum surface. This film reduces transepidermal water loss (TEWL), thereby enhancing skin hydration, softness, and smoothness. Additionally, it acts as an emulsion stabilizer and thickener by contributing to the formation of lamellar liquid crystalline gel networks within cosmetic formulations, which encapsulate and stabilize oil and water phases, improving product texture and viscosity.
Typical concentration: 1-10% (most formulas use 2-5% for thickening and emollient properties)
Is Cetyl Alcohol safe?
Cetyl Alcohol is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics. The CIR Expert Panel has deemed Cetyl Alcohol, along with other fatty alcohols, safe as used in cosmetic formulations. It has a low potential for skin irritation or sensitization.
What does the research say about Cetyl Alcohol?
F.A. Andersen, International Journal of Toxicology, 2005
N. M. Breyner, L. G. A. Van de Ven, B. A. P. E. Van der Zee, M. H. G. M. De Bruyn, R. J. J. Jiskoot, G. H. R. Koning, Spectrochimica Acta Part A: Molecular and Biomolecular Spectroscopy, 2011