Cetyl Stearyl Alcohol 50:50
Cetearyl Alcohol 50:50
Ceto Stearyl Alcohol
Cosmetic & Technical grade
50% cetyl alcohol / C16 alcohol50% stearyl alcohol / C18 alcohol
Cetyl Stearyl Alcohol is a white, waxy solid in flake form. It increases viscosity and is used as a stabiliser in conditioners, creams and lotions. Cetyl Stearyl Alcohol is a vegetable derived blend of cetyl and stearyl fatty alcohol. It is a very effective thickener that helps form extremely stable emulsions in water-in-oil and oil-in-water preparations. Cetyl Stearyl Alcohol is used as a co-emulsifier and imparts moisturising feel and lubricity to the skin.
Cetyl stearyl alcohol is suitable for use in creams, ointments, lotions, hair conditioners, body scrubs, butters, balms etc.
Key Characteristics
- Appearance: White, waxy solid in pastilles
- Solubility: Insoluble in water but soluble in oils and alcohol
- Odour: Virtually odourless
- Skin-Friendly: Non-irritating and non-sensitizing, making it suitable for sensitive skin
Cetyl stearyl alcohol 50:50 is mainly used as a:
Thickener / bodying agent
It increases viscosity and gives creams, lotions, conditioners, and balms a richer texture.
Co-emulsifier / emulsion stabiliser
It helps stabilise oil-in-water emulsions, especially when used alongside emulsifiers such as ceteareth-20, glyceryl stearate, polysorbates, or other nonionic systems.
Opacifier / pearlising aid
It can make products look creamier or more opaque.
Emollient / skin-feel modifier
It gives slip, softness, and a less greasy waxy feel compared with many heavier waxes.
Structuring wax
It helps build structure in sticks, creams, ointments, hair masks, and anhydrous balms.
Common uses
It is used in:
- Skin creams and lotions
- Hair conditioners and masks
- Body butters and balms
- Cleansing creams
- Shaving creams
- Ointments and topical bases
- Fabric conditioners and some textile/softening systems
- Industrial polishes, wax emulsions, and speciality chemical blends
Typical use levels
For cosmetics and toiletries, typical levels are roughly:
| Product type | Typical level |
|---|---|
| Light lotion | 0.5–2% |
| Cream | 2–5% |
| Hair conditioner | 1–5% |
| Body butter/balm | 3–10% |
| Anhydrous sticks/balms | 5–20% depending on hardness needed |
In emulsions, it is normally heated into the oil phase until melted, usually around 60–75°C, then emulsified with the water phase.
Why the 50:50 ratio matters
The C16/C18 ratio affects the feel and structure:
More cetyl alcohol tends to give a slightly lighter, creamier, silkier feel.
More stearyl alcohol tends to give more hardness, structure, and waxy body.
A 50:50 blend is a balanced grade: useful where you want good thickening and stability without the product feeling too hard or too waxy.
Properties:
- Synonyms: Cetyl Stearyl Alcohol,Cetearyl alcohol, Cetostearyl alcohol, Hexadecan-1-ol + Octadecan-1-ol, Hexadecanol + octadecanol, Hexadecyl alcohol + octadecyl alcohol,
-
Formula: C34H72O2
- Appearance: white waxy solid
- Mol weight: 512.94
- Purity: 99%
- % Cetyl alcohol: 50%
- % Stearyl alcohol: 50%
- CAS no: 67762-27-0
- Density: 0.811
- Melting Point: 50-54 C
- HLB: 15.5
- Solubility: insoluble in water
PLEASE NOTE: This product is not for human or animal consumption.