Cetyl alcohol (1-hexadecanol)

Cetyl alcohol is 1-hexadecanol, a long-chain fatty alcohol with 16 carbon atoms. Its INCI name is Cetyl Alcohol. Azlok's listing is sold under the trade name Ginol 16.

• Formula: C16H34O
• CAS number: 36653-82-4
• Molar mass: about 242.4 g/mol
• Appearance: white waxy flakes, pellets or crystals with a very faint waxy smell
• Melting point: about 49 °C
• Solubility: doesn't dissolve in water. It melts into oils and dissolves in ethanol.

It's a fatty alcohol, so it behaves like a soft wax. It doesn't dry the skin the way rubbing alcohol does.

Azlok sells cetyl alcohol (Ginol 16) as a cosmetic raw ingredient for creams, lotions, conditioners and other personal care products. The listing name doesn't state a pack size, so check the product page for the weight. Compare today's price per kg before ordering.

• Creams and lotions: thickens the oil phase, gives body and helps emulsifiers hold oil and water together.
• Hair conditioners: gives the creamy texture and smooth, detangled feel of rinse-off conditioners and hair masks.
• Lip balms and sticks: adds firmness and a less greasy feel.
• Other uses: an ingredient in some industrial lubricants and surfactants, and in pharmaceutical ointment bases.

Cetyl alcohol is usually used at around 1–5% of a formula. These are typical ranges, not rules. Lower amounts give a light lotion and higher amounts give a thick cream.

1. Weigh it into the oil phase with your oils, butters and emulsifier.
2. Heat the oil phase and water phase separately to about 70–75 °C, until the flakes melt fully.
3. Add one phase to the other while mixing, then blend until the emulsion is uniform.
4. Keep stirring as it cools. The cream thickens noticeably below about 40 °C.

Cetyl alcohol isn't an emulsifier by itself. Pair it with one, or with cetearyl-based emulsifying wax. Patch test finished products on the inner arm before regular use.

• Cetyl alcohol is low hazard in normal handling. Avoid getting flakes or dust in the eyes, and rinse with water if they do.
• Wear gloves when handling it hot, as melted wax can burn.
• Keep it away from strong oxidisers and open flames.
• Store in a closed container in a cool, dry place. It can soften and clump in hot weather.
• Keep it away from children.
• Scrape up spills. Don't pour melted wax down the sink, as it sets in the pipes.

For skin and hair care, the cosmetic grade cetyl alcohol is the right match. Finished cosmetics sold in India must meet CDSCO and BIS requirements, so keep the supplier's specification and SDS on file. Buy a smaller pack while you're still testing formulas. A typical cream only uses a few percent, so even a modest pack covers many batches.

Brands and contract manufacturers needing 25 kg or more can ask for a quote through bulk inquiry.