Cetearyl Alchol ●
TL;DR. This ingredient is a waxy structuring agent and co-emulsifier that thickens creams, lotions, conditioners, and balms. It also adds slip, reduces a greasy feel, and helps stabilize oil-and-water systems.
What does Cetearyl Alchol do in a cosmetic formula?
This ingredient is a waxy structuring agent and co-emulsifier that thickens creams, lotions, conditioners, and balms. It also adds slip, reduces a greasy feel, and helps stabilize oil-and-water systems.
Is Cetearyl Alchol clean?
From a clean-beauty perspective, it is generally well tolerated, low in irritation potential, and not a common restricted-list concern. It is often used to improve texture without the drying profile associated with small, volatile solvent-type molecules.
Is Cetearyl Alchol sustainable?
This material is commonly sourced from plant oils such as palm, coconut, or other vegetable feedstocks, though petroleum-derived routes can also exist. It is readily biodegradable, with the main sustainability watchpoint being traceable, responsibly managed agricultural sourcing.
Is Cetearyl Alchol COSMOS-approved?
It is generally permitted under COSMOS-natural and COSMOS-organic when made from accepted natural-origin feedstocks using compliant processing. It aligns well with Green Chemistry when renewable sourcing, efficient hydrogenation or reduction chemistry, and biodegradable end-of-life behavior are in place.
How does Cetearyl Alchol work chemically?
The molecule profile is a blend of saturated C16 to C18 long-chain structures bearing hydroxyl groups, giving it both waxy body and mild amphiphilic behavior. Typical use levels are about 1% to 10%, it is broadly pH-stable in normal cosmetic ranges, and it is heated into the oil phase during emulsification before solidifying into a lamellar network as the formula cools.
Last updated 2026-05-15