Cetearyl alcohol (CAS 67762-27-0) is a blend of cetyl (C16) and stearyl (C18) fatty alcohols — and one of the most-used ingredients in all of personal care. Despite the word "alcohol," it has nothing in common with ethanol: it is non-drying, non-volatile and won't sting sensitive skin. If you formulate creams, lotions, hair conditioners or cleansing bars, you almost certainly already use it.
What it does in a formula
- Emulsion co-stabilizer — as a primary co-emulsifier with nonionic or anionic emulsifiers, cetearyl alcohol forms liquid-crystalline lamellar phases that dramatically improve emulsion stability.
- Viscosity and body — 1–3% can transform a thin, runny lotion into a rich cream without polymers.
- Emollient feel modifier — gives a protective, velvety after-feel; offsets the greasiness of mineral oil and petrolatum.
- Opacifier — imparts an opaque, premium appearance to O/W emulsions.
- Foam booster and stabilizer — in shaving creams and cleansing formulas it stabilizes foam structure.
Typical use levels
| Application | Use level | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Face / body creams | 2–6% | Higher levels give richer, more protective textures |
| Lotions (pumpable) | 1–3% | Balance against viscosity targets |
| Hair conditioners | 2–8% | Classic pairing with cetrimonium / behentrimonium chloride |
| Ointment / balm bases | 5–15% | Structures the oil phase like a wax |
The C16/C18 ratio matters
Commercial cetearyl alcohols range from roughly 30/70 to 70/30 cetyl/stearyl. More C18 (stearyl) gives a firmer, waxier texture and higher melting point; more C16 (cetyl) gives a softer, creamier rub-out. A 30/70 C16/C18 blend (the most common export grade) suits general cream and conditioner use. When switching suppliers, always compare the carbon-chain distribution — an identical brand name can behave differently in the same formula.
Specs to check when sourcing
- Acid value / saponification value — low values confirm the free fatty acid content is controlled.
- Iodine value — should be very low (<2) for a fully saturated, color-stable, odor-neutral grade.
- Hydroxyl value — confirms average molecular weight (typical 200–230 mg KOH/g for C16-18).
- Carbon number distribution — by GC, stated in the COA of serious producers.
Cetearyl alcohol is listed by the US FDA as GRAS for certain indirect uses, is universally accepted in EU cosmetics, and is permitted in China's Inventory of Existing Cosmetic Ingredients (IECIC).
Pairing it well
Cetearyl alcohol works beautifully alongside light emollients that reduce its waxy drag: caprylic/capric triglyceride (GTCC) for fast-spreading luxury feel, cetearyl ethylhexanoate for a dry, silky after-feel, or dl-alpha-tocopheryl acetate (vitamin E) for antioxidant protection of the oil phase. In conditioners, combine with a cationic surfactant — our Cetearyl Alcohol (C16-18) is available from Chinese and Malaysian origins with consistent GC-documented distribution.