The Basics On Cetyl Alcohol
What is Cetyl Alcohol?
Fatty alcohol used as an emollient, emulsifier, thickener, and carrying agent.
What are other names for Cetyl Alcohol?
(C16-C18) ALKYL ALCOHOL; (C16-C18)-ALKYL ALCOHOL, 1-OCTADECANOL, MIXT. WITH 1-HEXADECANOL, ALCOHOLS, C16-18, ALCOHOLS, C1618, C16-18 ALCOHOLS, CETEARYL ALCOHOL, CETOSTEARYL ALCOHOL, CETYL/STEARYL ALCOHOL, MIXT. WITH 1-HEXADECANOL 1-OCTADECANOL, and UNIOX A
What is Cetyl Alcohol used for?
Cetyl alcohol is a long chain C16 fatty alcohol with the chemical formula C16H34O. It is sometimes known as Palmityl alcohol and it has 16 carbon atoms in its carbon chain backbone. Cetyl alcohol can either be produced synthetically from the end products of the petroleum industry or derived from plants (palm oil-palmityl alcohol). It is a white, waxy solid at room temperature and it was originally derived from sperm whale oil where it was originally discovered but this is no longer a source. Cetyl Alcohol is a nonionic surfactant and it is a common ingredient in skin care formulations where it can fulfill a variety of functions. It can act as an emulsion stabilizer, a fragrance ingredient, an opacifying agent a surfactant/emulsifying agent, a surfactant/foam booster; and a viscosity increasing agent.Cetyl alcohol is regarded as a low-risk skincare formulation ingredient and is safe to use on our skin1.
How Cetyl Alcohol is classified
Thickeners/Emulsifiers, Emollients
Recommendations for using Cetyl Alcohol during pregnancy and breastfeeding
Limited data suggests no known risk
Cetyl Alcohol During Pregnancy
What we know about using Cetyl Alcohol while pregnant or breastfeeding
Limited information available.
N/A
General safety info about Cetyl Alcohol from CIR
No report found.
Use this, not that!
Products where you might find Cetyl Alcohol
Embryolisse Eau De Beaute Rosamelis – Alcohol Free Toner, Phytomer Eau Marine Alcohol-Free Tonic Lotion, Anthony Alcohol Free Deodorant; Indie Lee CoQ-10 Toner; Living Proof No Frizz Nourishing Styling Cream
List of References
General sources: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/
1. Cetyl alcohol. EWG’s Skin Deep Cosmetic Database. https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/701263/CETYL_ALCOHOL/#.W74PqGgzZhE. Published 2018. Accessed October 2018.
Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions.
