At a glance
- CAS number
- 36653-82-4
- INCI name
- Cetyl Alcohol
- Function
- emollient, emulsifier, thickener, stabilizer
- Typical use level
- 1%–10%
- Solubility
- oil
- Stable pH
- 4–8
CAS number and synonyms are sourced from PubChem. Function, usage levels, pH and compatibility are AI-assisted formulation guidance — verify against your supplier's technical data sheet and applicable regulations before use.
Also known as
1-Hexadecanol cetyl alcohol Hexadecan-1-ol Palmityl alcohol Cetanol Hexadecyl alcohol Cetaffine N-Hexadecanol n-Cetyl alcohol Cetylol n-1-Hexadecanol Cetal
Compatibility
Works well with:
Stearyl Alcohol Stearic Acid Glyceryl Stearate Cetearyl Alcohol Behentrimonium Chloride Glycerin Niacinamide Dimethicone Shea Butter Jojoba Oil
Use caution with:
High-concentration Oxidizing Agents Strong Mineral Acids
Cetyl Alcohol is broadly compatible with most cosmetic ingredients and works synergistically with emulsifiers such as Glyceryl Stearate and Polysorbate 60 to stabilize emulsions. It pairs especially well with quaternary ammonium compounds like Behentrimonium Chloride in conditioning hair formulas. Strong acids or oxidizing agents at extreme concentrations can disrupt the waxy crystalline structure, but this is rarely a concern under normal formulation pH ranges.
Formulation notes
A fatty alcohol derived from natural or synthetic sources; generally regarded as safe with low sensitization potential. Not a true alcohol in the irritating sense — it does not dry skin. Commonly used at 2–6% in lotions and creams; higher levels (up to 10%) used in hair conditioners for substantivity and structure. EWG score typically 1–2. Not restricted by EU Cosmetics Regulation.
Frequently asked questions
What is Cetyl Alcohol?
Cetyl Alcohol is a emollient, emulsifier, thickener, stabilizer used in cosmetic and personal-care formulation. Typical use level is 1%–10%. It is oil-soluble. Stable in the pH 4–8 range.
What is Cetyl Alcohol used for?
Cetyl Alcohol is used as emollient, emulsifier, thickener, stabilizer in cosmetic and personal-care formulations.
What is the typical use level of Cetyl Alcohol?
Cetyl Alcohol is typically used at 1%–10% in the finished formulation. Always confirm against your supplier's technical data sheet.
What is the CAS number of Cetyl Alcohol?
The CAS registry number for Cetyl Alcohol is 36653-82-4. Its INCI name is Cetyl Alcohol.
At what pH is Cetyl Alcohol stable?
Cetyl Alcohol is generally stable in the pH 4–8 range.
What ingredients are compatible with Cetyl Alcohol?
Cetyl Alcohol works well with Stearyl Alcohol, Stearic Acid, Glyceryl Stearate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Behentrimonium Chloride, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Dimethicone, Shea Butter, Jojoba Oil. Use caution when combining it with High-concentration Oxidizing Agents, Strong Mineral Acids.
Related ingredients
- Arachidyl AlcoholEmollient
- Behenyl AlcoholEmollient
- Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate CrosspolymerThickener
- Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate VP CopolymerThickener
- Glyceryl Stearate CitrateEmulsifier
- Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate CopolymerThickener