Cetostearyl Alcohol (CETEARYL ALCOHOL)
Commonly Found In
Overview
CETEARYL ALCOHOL is a fatty alcohol blend consisting of cetyl alcohol (C16) and stearyl alcohol (C18), typically in a 30:70, 50:50, or 70:30 ratio depending on the application. Despite the name 'alcohol,' it is not drying or irritating like ethanol; instead, it functions as an emollient, emulsifier, and thickener in creams and lotions. It provides a characteristic rich, creamy texture and helps stabilize oil-in-water and water-in-oil emulsions.
Also known as: Cetostearyl Alcohol, Cetyl/Stearyl Alcohol, C16-18 Alcohol
Key Benefits
Studies suggest that cetearyl alcohol may improve skin texture and moisture retention by acting as an emollient and forming part of a lipid-enriching barrier. Clinical evidence from the CIR indicates it is well tolerated and may support a smooth, hydrated skin feel in leave-on formulations.
Supporting Research
- β’ CIR Expert Panel (2008) β safety assessment confirming cetearyl alcohol's emollient and non-irritating properties
Skin Compatibility Ratings
Comedogenic Rating
Rated 2 on the rabbit ear assay; real-world comedogenicity at typical cosmetic concentrations is considered low by many dermatologists
Source: Kligman & Mills comedogenicity scale
Irritancy Rating
Not a drying or irritating alcohol; in contrast to ethanol, it is moisturizing. Contact sensitization is very rare.
Source: CIR Expert Panel; clinical dermatology literature
Typical Use Concentration
Range
1β25%
Optimal
2β8% in light creams; 8β20% in rich formulations
Used at 2β10% in face creams, 5β15% in body butters, 2β5% in hair conditioners, and up to 30% in cleansing balms.
Works Well With / Avoid
Works Well With
Use With Caution
Essential emulsifier and thickener in water-in-oil and oil-in-water creams. Works synergistically with cationic emulsifiers in hair conditioners. Melting point (49β56Β°C) provides structure to solid and semi-solid products.
Commonly Found In
Global Regulation Summary
Overview of current status across major international markets.
Detailed Regional Status
| Region | Status | Max Conc. | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πͺπΊ EU | Allowed | - | - | Official β |
| πΊπΈ USA | Allowed | - | - | Official β |
| π―π΅ Japan | Allowed | - | - | Official β |
| π°π· Korea | Allowed | - | - | Official β |
| π¬π§ UK | Allowed | - | - | Official β |
π Why Regulations Differ
Cetearyl alcohol is approved in all major cosmetic markets (EU, US, Japan, Korea, UK) without concentration restrictions. The CIR has assessed it safe for cosmetic use. No significant regulatory divergence exists between markets.
Regulation Analysis
Category Comparison
91% of EMULSION STABILISING ingredients (32 of 35) are banned in the EU, but this one is approved.
πΏ Natural Sources
Cetearyl alcohol is derived from natural plant oils high in palmitic acid (C16) and stearic acid (C18). Common sources include palm oil and palm kernel oil (Elaeis guineensis), which contain approximately 44% palmitic acid and 5% stearic acid, and coconut oil (Cocos nucifera), which contains about 9% palmitic acid and 3% stearic acid. Other sources include rapeseed (canola) oil, soybean oil, and animal fats (tallow), though plant sources dominate cosmetic applications. The fatty acids are first extracted through hydrolysis or saponification of the triglycerides, then reduced to the corresponding fatty alcohols.
π How It's Made
Cetearyl alcohol is produced through a two-step process: (1) Hydrolysis or saponification: Plant oils (palm, coconut) are treated with water under high pressure and temperature (250Β°C, 50 bar) to break down triglycerides into free fatty acids and glycerol. Alternatively, base-catalyzed saponification produces fatty acid soaps, which are then acidified. (2) Hydrogenation: The fatty acids (primarily palmitic C16 and stearic C18) are hydrogenated using a metal catalyst (typically copper chromite or nickel) at high temperature (250-300Β°C) and pressure (200-300 bar) with hydrogen gas. This reduces the carboxylic acid group (-COOH) to a primary alcohol group (-CH2OH), yielding cetyl alcohol (C16H33OH) and stearyl alcohol (C18H37OH). The two are blended in desired ratios to create cetearyl alcohol. Modern 'green chemistry' approaches use catalytic hydrogenation with renewable hydrogen or enzymatic reduction processes to reduce energy consumption and environmental impact.
π Uses in Cosmetics
Found in face creams (2-10%), body butters (5-15%), hair conditioners (2-5%), and cleansing balms (10-30%). Despite the name, it's not a drying alcohol β it actually softens skin and gives products their creamy texture.
π¬ Other Applications
Used in pharmaceutical creams and ointments as a texture enhancer. Also found in tablet coatings, textile processing, and printing inks. The global market for fatty alcohols (including this one) exceeded 2.5 million metric tons in 2020.
π‘ Fun Facts
- β’ 'Alcohol-free' on cosmetic labels refers to drying alcohols like ethanol β fatty alcohols like cetearyl alcohol are actually moisturizing, not drying
- β’ One of the first cosmetic texture enhancers, used since the early 1900s. It made modern creams and lotions possible
- β’ Originally discovered from whale oil in the 1800s (hence 'cetyl' from Latin 'cetus' = whale), but today it's 100% plant-derived
Related Skin Concerns
Data Sources
- β’ CIR Expert Panel Final Report on cetearyl alcohol (2008)
- β’ EU CosIng database
- β’ FDA 21 CFR cosmetic ingredient database
- β’ Japan MHLW cosmetic ingredient database
Last data verification: 2026-04-12
Related Ingredients
1-Hexadecanol
CETYL ALCOHOL
1-Octadecanol
STEARYL ALCOHOL
COCAMIDE DEA
LANOLINAMIDE DEA
ALUMINUM STEARATE
BENTONITE
Learn More
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CETEARYL ALCOHOL used for in cosmetics?
CETEARYL ALCOHOL is primarily used for emulsion stabilising in cosmetic products. It also serves as emollient, surfactant - emulsifying. The ingredient is commonly found in various cosmetic and personal care products.
Which countries regulate CETEARYL ALCOHOL?
CETEARYL ALCOHOL is approved for cosmetic use in all major markets: EU, JP, US, UK, KR, with no significant restrictions.
Where can I find official regulation information about CETEARYL ALCOHOL?
Official information about CETEARYL ALCOHOL regulations can be found on government websites: EU CosIng database, US FDA Cosmetics page, Japan MHLW cosmetics standards, UK Government cosmetics guidance, and Korea MFDS. Always verify regulatory status with these official sources before making formulation decisions.
Disclaimer
The information on this website is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. While we strive for accuracy based on official government databases, cosmetic regulations change frequently. Always consult with a qualified professional or refer to the latest official regulatory documents for compliance. We are not responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided here.