Cetyl Alcohol / سیٹائل الکحل

Cetyl Alcohol is a long-chain fatty alcohol with 16 carbon atoms, derived primarily from vegetable sources such as coconut oil and palm oil. First isolated in 1817 by French chemist Michel Chevreul from sperm whale oil, modern cetyl alcohol is entirely plant-based and has been a foundational raw material in cosmetic manufacturing for over a century. It appears as white waxy flakes and is a standard ingredient in creams, lotions, conditioners, and hair masks worldwide.

What distinguishes cetyl alcohol from other thickeners is its ability to co-crystallize with emulsifiers upon cooling, forming a stable gel network that gives emulsions their characteristic body and creamy texture. This behavior, known as co-emulsification, produces a smooth, non-occlusive skin feel while significantly enhancing product stability and sensory performance. In haircare, cetyl alcohol interacts with cationic emulsifiers to coat hair fibers, reducing friction and improving manageability in both rinse-out and leave-in conditioning systems.

Recommended Usage

Skincare (Creams, Serums, Lotions) 

Essential thickener and texture builder for face creams, body lotions, and lightweight facial emulsions. Use at 1 to 5% in the heated oil phase to build viscosity and deliver a smooth, non-greasy skin feel.

Haircare (Shampoo, Conditioner, Masks) 

Outstanding conditioning and detangling agent in rinse-out conditioners, hair masks, and leave-in treatments. Use at 2 to 6% in standard conditioners and up to 25% in intensive deep conditioning masks.

Soap Making (Cold Process, Melt and Pour) 

Suitable in melt and pour soap bases to add creaminess and improve bar feel. Use at 1 to 3% in cold process soap as higher concentrations may reduce lather quality.

Body Care (Scrubs, Butters, Balms)

Adds structure and a velvety finish to anhydrous body butters, balms, and lotion bars. Use at 2 to 5% to reduce greasiness and improve product payoff.