Cetyl Alcohol 5g

TL;DR. This ingredient is a waxy fatty alcohol used as an emollient, viscosity builder, and co-emulsifier in creams, lotions, conditioners, and balms. It gives formulas body, slip, and a softer skin or hair feel without functioning as a drying alcohol.

What does Cetyl Alcohol 5g do in a cosmetic formula?

This ingredient is a waxy fatty alcohol used as an emollient, viscosity builder, and co-emulsifier in creams, lotions, conditioners, and balms. It gives formulas body, slip, and a softer skin or hair feel without functioning as a drying alcohol.

Is Cetyl Alcohol 5g clean?

It has a strong clean-standard profile because it is generally well tolerated, not a fragrance allergen, and not a common restricted-list concern. Very blemish-prone skin may find richer fatty alcohols heavy, but its irritation potential is low.

Is Cetyl Alcohol 5g sustainable?

This material is commonly sourced from palm, coconut, or other vegetable oils, although petroleum-derived routes also exist. It is readily biodegradable, with the main sustainability question being traceable plant sourcing, especially where palm supply chains are involved.

Is Cetyl Alcohol 5g COSMOS-approved?

It is permitted under COSMOS-natural and COSMOS-organic when it meets origin and processing requirements. From a Green Chemistry view, plant-derived grades align well through renewable feedstocks, biodegradability, and relatively simple processing.

How does Cetyl Alcohol 5g work chemically?

The molecule is a saturated, linear, long-chain fatty alcohol that forms crystalline waxy structures, which helps thicken emulsions and improve cushion. Typical use levels are about 0.5% to 5% in lotions and creams, higher in sticks or balms, and it is broadly pH-stable with a melting point around 49°C.

Last updated 2026-08-20