Cetyl alcohol is a wonderful thickener in cosmetic products, such as creams and lotions, where it increases thickness and emulsifies. When used in shampoo and conditioner, it adds to its moisturization and enhances viscosity, while adding foam production. Cetyl Alcohol can be usefully employed in your emulsions, and anhydrous formulas to increase viscosity (thicken), and to give the product a cushioned body. It is very moisturizing to the skin, where they help to lock in the skin’s natural moisture levels and impart a smooth, soft feel to both the product and the skin. Cetyl Alcohol also commonly used as a natural thickener, which improves the stability of the emulsion to function as a co-emulsifier, and it is compatible with almost all common cosmetic ingredients. Cetyl alcohol is a wonderful thickener in cosmetic products, such as creams and lotions, where it increases thickness and emulsifies. When used in shampoo and conditioner, it adds to its moisturization and enhances viscosity, while adding foam production. Cetyl Alcohol can be usefully employed in your emulsions, and anhydrous formulas to increase viscosity (thicken), and to give the product a cushioned body. It is very moisturizing to the skin, where they help to lock in the skin’s natural moisture levels and impart a smooth, soft feel to both the product and the skin. Cetyl Alcohol also commonly used as a natural thickener, which improves the stability of the emulsion to function as a co-emulsifier, and it is compatible with almost all common cosmetic ingredients.
INCI
Cetyl Alcohol
BENEFITS
– Non-gelling thickener and viscosity enhancer (also in water-free products like lipsticks)
– Has co-emulsifying properties if concentration is higher than 5 %
– Has mild emollient and moisturizing properties
– Can boost foam when together with surfactants
HIGH PERFORMANCE INGREDIENT
Typical Ingredient
FORMULA LAYER
Functional – Thickener/Gum, Functional – Emulsifier, Aesthetic – Texture
USAGE RATE
Add to oil phase
Typical use level 1–30% (lower amounts are typically for emulsions, higher amounts are typically for anhydrous products) Usage above 3% can cause soaping in Emulsion.
*Soaping is the term used to describe the sensation of not being able to rub a cream or lotion into the skin. When this happens the product turns white on the skin as one attempts to rub it in, it will feel tacky, and will be difficult to get it to absorb
SOLUBILITY
Oil, Alcohol
TYPE/CHARGE
None
SCENT
Mild characteristic fatty
APPEARANCE
Small white beads or pellets
SKIN TYPES
– All Skin Types
PRODUCTS
Cream/Lotion, Body Care, Hair Care, Moisturiser , Face Care, Baby Products, Scrub, Balm/Butter, Make-Up
SUBSTITUTION
Cetyl alcohol is hard to swap out. When making a lotion or conditioner and it’s used at 4% or less, cetearyl alcohol is probably the best alternative. Cetearyl alcohol makes for a heavier, fluffier end product, so keep that in mind.
Categories: Functional – Thickener/Gum, Functional – Emulsifier, Aesthetic – Texture