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Cetearyl Alcohol

Cetearyl Alcohol

Fatty Alcohol

Cetearyl Alcohol

Other Name(s):

Cetostearyl Alcohol; CAS# 036653-82-4; Cetyl Alcohol; Stearyl Alcohol

Cetearyl alcohol is most commonly made from vegetable oils, usually coconut, palm, corn or soy.

Is Cetearyl Alcohol Faithful to Nature?

Yes.

Ceterayl alcohol is a naturally derived ingredient which can be made using sustainable, renewable raw materials which have been ethically sourced. Should you wish to avoid palm or GMO derived ingredients, be sure to look out for our Palm Oil-Free and GMO-Free icons.

Benefits: Why is Cetearyl Alcohol Used?

Skin Conditioner

Cetearyl Alcohol is a skin conditioner leaving it feeling softer and smoother.

Hair Conditioner

Cetearyl Alcohol offers great ‘slip’, helping to detangle hair.

Improves Texture

Cetearyl Alcohol is a texture enhancer.

% Alcohol

Cetearyl Alcohol is considered alcohol-free.

On the Shelf: Which Products Use Cetearyl Alcohol?

Cetearyl alcohol is found in thousands of personal care products from conditioners, moisturisers, sun protection lotions, hand creams, lipsticks, soaps and so much more.

Production: How is Cetearyl Alcohol Made?

Cetearyl alcohol is made simply by combining cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol. Cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol are made through a process called chemical reduction. This involves reacting palmitic acid and stearic acid (both fatty acids) with ethyl alcohol.

Interesting Fact: Cetearyl Alcohol

‘Alcohols’ are a large and diverse family of chemical compounds, with a wide variety of effects on the skin. Skincare products labelled as ‘alcohol-free’ may still contain cetearyl alcohol but that’s not a bad thing since cetearyl alcohol doesn’t dry skin out or cause irritation like ethyl alcohol (better known as ethanol), denatured alcohol, or isopropyl alcohol.

As a fatty alcohol, cetearyl alcohol is chemically distinct from the common understanding of alcohol. It is in no way intoxicating.

Cetearyl alcohol may be manufactured using animal fats. If you are vegan, vegetarian or adhere to a strict Halal or Kosher diet, you may want to avoid this ingredient unless it is certified by a reputable third party organisation such as the Vegan Association. If it’s made from plant materials, it is to be considered Halal according to the Standard and Metrology Institute for the Islamic Countries—Halal Cosmetics Requirements (OIC/SMIIC 4:2018).

In chemistry terms, an alcohol is any substance with an Oxygen-Hydrogen pairing (-OH; also known as a hydroxyl) connected to a carbon backbone.

Notice: The information provided here is not intended as medical advice and is for educational purposes only.