CETYL ALCOHOL

Cetyl alcohol, despite the word "alcohol" in its name, is actually a fatty alcohol and behaves quite differently from the types of alcohol you might drink. Here's a breakdown of cetyl alcohol:

• Properties:

  • Waxy solid at room temperature
  • Odorless and tasteless
  • Poor solubility in water, but good solubility in oils and alcohols
  • Emollient properties: helps soften and moisturize the skin
  • Thickening and stabilizing agent

• Uses: Cetyl alcohol has various applications due to its properties:

  • Cosmetics and personal care: It's a common ingredient in lotions, creams, shampoos, conditioners, and other skincare products. It helps thicken and stabilize these products, improve their spreadability, and act as an emollient to soften the skin.
  • Food: In small amounts, cetyl alcohol can be used as a thickener and stabilizer in food products like candy, chewing gum, and whipped cream.
  • Pharmaceuticals: Cetyl alcohol can be found in some ointments and creams as a thickener and stabilizer base.
  • Industrial applications: Less commonly, cetyl alcohol may be used as a lubricant or plasticizer in certain industrial applications.