Cetearyl alcohol
Cetearyl alcohol is a blend of fatty alcohols, mainly cetyl (C16) and stearyl (C18), supplied as white waxy flakes or pastilles. It is made by hydrogenating fatty acids or methyl esters from palm, palm kernel or coconut oil and distilling the alcohols, or synthetically from ethylene. Cosmetic brands buy it as a thickener and co-emulsifier for creams, lotions and hair conditioners.
Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.
Grades sold by their approximate C16:C18 ratio, which changes melting point and the texture of the finished emulsion.
Cetostearyl alcohol meeting the NF or EP monograph, used for pharmaceutical and OTC products.
Grades from certified palm or palm kernel oil under mass-balance or segregated supply chains.
Cetearyl alcohol premixed with an emulsifier such as ceteareth-20 or sodium cetearyl sulfate, sold as a self-emulsifying base.
Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.
Store cetearyl alcohol in closed bags or lined boxes in a cool, dry place away from heat, which can make flakes stick together. It is stable and slow to oxidize. Shelf life is set by the supplier's specification, with retest of acid value and appearance for older stock.
Record the C16:C18 split, melting range and palm origin certification for each lot, since lot-to-lot ratio drift can change emulsion viscosity. Rotate FIFO.
Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.
Health Canada's Natural Health Products Ingredients Database lists cetostearyl alcohol (common name cetearyl alcohol, CAS 67762-27-0) for topical use as an emollient, emulsifying agent, emulsion stabilizer, stiffening agent or viscosity increasing agent, up to 15%, citing CIR.
Source: webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca (opens in a new tab)This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.
Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.
Distributor · Blue Bell, PA
Sells it as AHCOHOL 1618 TA
Pennsylvania distributor of oleochemicals and personal care ingredients, including castor products, fatty alcohols, esters, glycerin and natural oils and butters.
Suppliers are in alphabetical order and none pays to appear. Each claim is checked against the supplier’s own website on the date shown. Ask for the specification sheet and a recent COA before you order, and confirm details with the supplier.
Common forms include standard 30:70 / 50:50 blends, nF / EP grade, rSPO palm-based and emulsifying wax blends. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.
Expect identity and chain distribution, acid, saponification and iodine values, hydroxyl value, melting range and heavy metals, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.
Store cetearyl alcohol in closed bags or lined boxes in a cool, dry place away from heat, which can make flakes stick together. It is stable and slow to oxidize. Shelf life is set by the supplier's specification, with retest of acid value and appearance for older stock.
Health Canada's Natural Health Products Ingredients Database lists cetostearyl alcohol (common name cetearyl alcohol, CAS 67762-27-0) for topical use as an emollient, emulsifying agent, emulsion stabilizer, stiffening agent or viscosity increasing agent, up to 15%, citing CIR.
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