Cetyl Alcohol, Cetanol, Ethal, Ethol, Hexadecanol, Hexadecyl Alcohol, Palmityl Alcohol, 36653-82-4

Cetyl Alcohol, Cetanol, Ethal, Ethol, Hexadecanol, Hexadecyl Alcohol, Palmityl Alcohol, 36653-82-4

Cetyl Alcohol – Technical Summary

CAS No: 36653-82-4  Chemical Formula: C₁₆H₃₄O  Molar Mass: 242.44 g/mol

Physical and Chemical Properties

•  Melting Point: 49.3 °C

•  Boiling Point: 344 °C

•  Flash Point: 185 °C

•  Density: 0.81 g/cm³

•  Water Solubility: Insoluble

•  Soluble in alcohol, ether, chloroform

•  Appearance: White, waxy solid in flakes or pellets

•  Odor: Mild, clean, wax-like

•  Structure: Saturated long-chain primary fatty alcohol (C16)

Applications (Detailed)

Cosmetics & Personal Care – Used in creams, lotions, shampoos, conditioners, body butters, balms, and sticks – Functions as emulsifier, thickener, emollient, and slip agent

Food Industry – Multi-purpose food additive and flavoring agent – Used in decorative food applications

Pharmaceuticals – Excipient and thickener in ointments and cream bases

Industrial & Technical Uses – Lubricant for nuts and bolts – Stabilizer in paper and coating systems – Additive in cleaning and construction chemicals

Sector Compatibility Table

Synonyms

• Cetyl Alcohol

• Hexadecan-1-ol

• Palmityl Alcohol

• Hexadecyl Alcohol

• Cetanol

• Ethal

• Ethol

• Hexadecanol

Alternatives

• Stearyl Alcohol (C18) – Higher melting point, similar cosmetic functions

• Cetostearyl Alcohol – Blend of cetyl and stearyl, balanced performance

• Myristyl Alcohol (C14) – Shorter chain, lighter formulations

• Behenyl Alcohol (C22) – Firmer structuring in solid products

Production Method

• Derived from natural sources (coconut oil, palm kernel oil) or synthesized

• Produced via reduction of fatty acids to long-chain primary alcohols

• Typically involves esterification and hydrogenation processes

Hazard Information

•  Not classified as hazardous under EC 1272/2008

•  May cause mild eye irritation

•  Low risk of allergic reaction in sensitive skin

•  Considered dermatologically safe in cosmetic use

•  Vegan-friendly and biodegradable

Storage Conditions

•  Store in a cool, dry, moisture-free environment

•  Keep in sealed packaging, away from direct sunlight

•  Despite high flash point, avoid ignition sources

•  For food and cosmetic grades, follow GMP-compliant storage

Cosmetics & Personal Care – Cetyl Alcohol Applications

Functional Roles

• Emulsifier Helps oil and water mix in creams and lotions, ensuring stable texture and shelf life.

• Thickener / Viscosity Modifier Increases the body and richness of formulations, giving a luxurious feel.

• Emollient Softens and smooths the skin by forming a protective barrier that reduces moisture loss.

• Slip Agent Improves spreadability and glide in hair conditioners and skin creams.

• Structuring Agent Provides firmness and shape in solid products like deodorant sticks, lip balms, and makeup pencils.

• Stabilizer Enhances product consistency and prevents phase separation in emulsions.

Hair Care Products

• Conditioners & Masks Adds creaminess, detangling effect, and smooth texture. Reduces static and frizz by coating the hair shaft.

• Shampoos Used in sulfate-free or conditioning shampoos to improve texture and reduce harshness.

Skin Care Products

• Moisturizers & Lotions Enhances skin feel, improves spreadability, and locks in hydration.

• Body Butters & Creams Contributes to a rich, non-greasy finish with long-lasting softness.

• Facial Cleansers Adds mildness and creaminess to cleansing emulsions.

Decorative Cosmetics

• Lipsticks & Balms Provides structure, glide, and moisture retention.

• Foundation & BB Creams Improves texture, spreadability, and skin adherence.

• Makeup Removers Adds emollient properties for gentle cleansing.

Formulation Benefits

• Compatible with a wide range of emulsifiers, oils, and active ingredients

• Stable across pH 4–8

• Non-ionic, does not interfere with charged actives

• Vegan and biodegradable

• Low irritation potential, suitable for sensitive skin formulations