Cetearyl Alcohol: What's The Truth?

Cetearyl alcohol, also known as cetostearyl alcohol or cetylstearyl alcohol, is a combination of cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol. These two fatty alcohols, derived from coconut and palm oils, are the major components of cetearyl alcohol. The mixture has a range of applications, including in cosmetics, personal care products, and food. In cosmetics, it acts as a thickening agent, stabilizes emulsions, and gives a velvety emollient feel to the skin. It is also used in hair conditioners and other hair products. With a melting point above human body temperature, cetyl alcohol is particularly useful in lipsticks, helping the colour adhere to the skin.

Cetyl stearyl alcohol is a mixture of cetyl and stearyl alcohols

Cetyl stearyl alcohol, also known as cetearyl alcohol or cetostearyl alcohol, is predominantly a mixture of cetyl and stearyl alcohols. These are fatty alcohols derived from coconut and palm oils. They are used in cosmetics and personal care products, especially in skin lotions and creams, as they are non-drying and non-irritating to the skin.

Cetyl alcohol is a 16-carbon chain fatty alcohol, while stearyl alcohol is an 18-carbon chain fatty alcohol. Both are major components of cetearyl alcohol, which is used to alter the thickness of liquid products and increase their foaming capacity. Cetearyl alcohol also has a stabilising effect on emulsions, preventing the separation of oil and liquid components.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) includes synthetic fatty alcohols, such as cetyl and stearyl alcohols, on its list of approved food additives. They are used as flavouring agents or in decorative food elements, such as lettering or pictures on candy or chewing gum. Cetyl alcohol is also used as an industrial lubricant and can be a primary ingredient in fuels, chemical intermediates, and plasticizers.

In cosmetics, cetyl alcohol acts as a thickening agent and emulsifier, helping to maintain a desirable consistency and smooth texture. It is often found in lipsticks, where it assists in adhering lip colour to the skin. A small percentage of people may experience contact allergies from exposure to cetyl alcohol in lotions or creams, but it is generally considered safe for use as a cosmetic ingredient.

Cetearyl alcohol is used in cosmetics

Cetearyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol used in cosmetics. It is a mixture of cetyl and stearyl alcohol, which are also fatty alcohols. Cetearyl alcohol is commonly used in hair conditioners and other hair products, as well as lotions. It is an emollient, which means it helps to soften and moisturize the skin and hair. It also acts as a thickening and stabilizing agent in cosmetic products.

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel has concluded that cetearyl alcohol is safe for use in cosmetic products. It has been found to be non-toxic, non-mutagenic, and non-irritating to the skin. It is even permitted by the FDA as an ingredient in products labeled "alcohol-free". This is because, despite being chemically classified as an alcohol, cetearyl alcohol does not have the same effects on the skin as other types of alcohol. Unlike drying alcohols such as ethanol or rubbing alcohol, which can cause itchiness, flaking, and skin peeling, cetearyl alcohol is non-drying and non-irritating.

The typical use level of cetearyl alcohol in most cream-type formulas is 2-3%. It is important to note that, as with many skincare products, there is a small risk of an allergic reaction to cetearyl alcohol. Individuals with sensitive skin or other allergies may want to perform a patch test before using products containing this ingredient.

Overall, cetearyl alcohol is a safe and effective ingredient used in cosmetics to soften and moisturize the skin and hair, as well as to thicken and stabilize products such as lotions and hair conditioners.

Cetyl alcohol is a food additive

Cetyl alcohol, also known as hexadecan-1-ol and palmityl alcohol, is a fatty alcohol with the formula CH3(CH2)15OH. It was first isolated from whale oil (cetacea oil, from the Latin 'cetus' meaning 'whale') in 1817 by French chemist Michel Chevreul. At room temperature, it appears as a waxy white solid or in flaked form.

Cetyl alcohol is a multi-purpose food additive, used as a flavouring agent or in food decorations. It is an ingredient in the colourful lettering or pictures on candy or gum. It is deemed safe for consumption by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

In addition to its use as a food additive, cetyl alcohol is also used in cosmetics and industrial applications. In cosmetics, it acts as a thickener and emulsifier, helping to maintain consistency and a smooth texture in products like lipsticks, skin creams, and lotions. It is particularly useful in lipsticks due to its high melting point. In industrial applications, cetyl alcohol is a primary ingredient in fuels, chemical intermediates, and plasticizers, and is used as a lubricant in manufacturing.

While generally considered safe, a small percentage of people may experience contact allergies from exposure to cetyl alcohol in lotions or creams. People with eczema may be sensitive to cetyl alcohol, although this may be due to impurities rather than cetyl alcohol itself. However, cetyl alcohol is sometimes included in medications used for the treatment of eczema.

Cetyl stearyl alcohol is cytotoxic at 5% concentration

Cetostearyl alcohol, also known as cetearyl alcohol or cetylstearyl alcohol, is a mixture of cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol. It is a type of fatty alcohol with emollient properties that is commonly used in cosmetics and hair care products such as hair conditioners.

While generally considered safe, high concentrations of cetyl stearyl alcohol can be cytotoxic. Specifically, a 5% concentration of cetyl stearyl alcohol in petrolatum has been shown to be cytotoxic according to the MTT assay. This means that at this concentration, cetyl stearyl alcohol can be toxic to cells and potentially harmful.

The cytotoxicity of cetyl stearyl alcohol is an important consideration when formulating products that contain this ingredient. It is crucial to ensure that the concentration of cetyl stearyl alcohol remains below a safe threshold to avoid any potential toxic effects. While the MTT assay has indicated cytotoxicity at 5%, further studies and assays may be necessary to fully understand the safe usage of this ingredient.

It is worth noting that the cytotoxicity of cetyl stearyl alcohol may be dependent on the specific formulation and other ingredients present in a product. The MTT assay specifically tested the cytotoxicity of 5% cetyl stearyl alcohol in petrolatum, and the results may vary when combined with other substances. Additionally, individual variations in skin sensitivity and tolerance may also play a role in the cytotoxicity of this ingredient.

In conclusion, while cetyl stearyl alcohol is a commonly used ingredient in cosmetics and hair care products, it is important to approach it with caution. The cytotoxicity observed at 5% concentration highlights the need for careful formulation and adherence to safe usage guidelines. Further research and standardized testing methods can help better understand the potential risks associated with cetyl stearyl alcohol and ensure its safe incorporation into various products.

Cetearyl alcohol is a white, waxy solid

Cetearyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol, a combination of cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol. It is a white, waxy solid, which is used in cosmetics and personal care products, especially in skin lotions and creams. It is derived from coconut and palm oils and is commonly used in hair conditioners and other hair products. Cetearyl alcohol is an emollient, which gives the skin a smooth and velvety feel. It is also used as an emulsion stabilizer, opacifying agent, and foam-boosting surfactant.

The ratio of cetyl alcohol to stearyl alcohol in cetearyl alcohol can vary, and this will affect the properties of the final product. For example, a higher proportion of cetyl alcohol will result in a silkier texture, while a higher proportion of stearyl alcohol will result in a richer, more oily texture.

Cetearyl alcohol is also used in industrial applications, such as a lubricant for nuts and bolts in manufacturing. It is a primary ingredient in fuels, chemical intermediates, and plasticizers.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has deemed cetearyl alcohol safe for use in cosmetic and food products. The toxicological data for cetearyl alcohol revealed no significant toxicity, and it is not a dermal irritant or sensitizer. It is also important to note that products labeled "alcohol-free" may still contain cetearyl alcohol or other fatty alcohols.

Frequently asked questions