Cetyl stearyl alcohol, cetostearyl alcohol, or cetearyl alcohol, a chemical that is often found in skin and hair care products, is used by the majority of individuals. However, only a few of them are concerned about the chemicals and other ingredients used in them. Individuals who use lotions, shampoos, or conditioners and are concerned about the chemicals they apply on their skin; might have noticed a chemical called cetearyl alcohol in the ingredients.
Skincare and hair care products like lotions, shampoos, creams, and others contain a chemical named cetearyl alcohol as one of the key ingredients. Unlike other alcohol types, such as ethanol, cetyl stearyl is not dry or irritating. It is considered safe and not toxic for skin and hair care use.
In this blog, let us deep dive into what cetyl stearyl alcohol is, its safety considerations, and its applications.
What is Cetyl Stearyl Alcohol?
The chemical formula of Cetostearyl Alcohol is (CH3(CH2)nOH). It is a mixture of cetyl and stearyl alcohols derived from vegetable or synthetic sources. This alcohol is classified under fatty alcohol, and the texture is white, waxy, and solid in a flake form. Cetyl stearyl alcohol is oil soluble but insoluble in water.
Cetostearyl alcohol has a wide range of applications in the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industry because of its ability to serve as an emulsion stabilizer and opacifying agent. Additionally, it can be used as a surfactant-foam booster as well as an agent that increases the viscosity of the products. It is widely used as an ingredient in creams and lotions. The melting point and boiling point of this alcohol is 122°F (50°C) and 480.2°F (249°C) respectively.
Is Cetyl Stearyl Alcohol Safe to Use on Hair and Skin?
Health-conscious consumers are vigilant about the skin and hair care products they use. Most individuals prefer products free from harmful ingredients that might harm the skin or hair.
Many people generally consider alcohol dangerous and avoid it in hair and skin care products that have alcohol. The main reason for this is that various alcohols, such as ethanol or rubbing alcohol, can have a drying effect on the skin. Applying alcohol on skin and hair can result in skin peeling, itchiness, & flaking.
Various products like hand sanitizers, aftershave, and astringents use alcohol as one of their ingredients, mainly due to their fast-drying and skin-tightening capabilities. However, fatty alcohols such as cetearyl alcohol do not have a similar effect on the skin as the other alcohols, because of their chemical structure.
The chemical structure of cetyl stearyl alcohol differs from other commonly used alcohols. The chemical structure of this alcohol type has an alcohol group (-OH) linked to a very long chain of hydrocarbons (fats). Hence, fatty alcohols are able to trap water and offer a soothing experience on the skin.
Emollients are chemicals that make the skin feel smoother. These chemicals create an oily layer on the skin to trap the moisture inside.
A review conducted by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel suggests that fatty alcohols, such as cetyl stearyl alcohol, are safe for usage in various cosmetic products. The results were consistent in the subsequent reviews as well. In other clinical studies, no significant toxicity could be detected in the use of this alcohol. Additionally, cetearyl alcohol was found to be non-mutagenic. A chemical agent responsible for changing DNA is a mutagen; agents that modify the DNA can cause diseases like cancer.
According to the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), this alcohol does not irritate the skin. Moreover, cosmetic products with an alcohol-free label can have a certain percentage of cetearyl alcohol and other fatty alcohols. This alcohol has also made it to the FDA’s list of safe and permitted food additives. Similar to any skincare product, there will always be some risk of allergic reactions.
Application & Usage of Cetyl Stearyl Alcohol
- In personal care products, cetostearyl alcohol can be used as a non-ionic surfactant for various functions. In the personal care industry, it could be used in any hair or skin care product, such as shampoos, creams, lotions, and moisturizers. The following are the major functions of this alcohol in personal care products:
- Emulsion stabilizer
- Thickening agent
- Opacifying agent
- Surfactant/foam booster
- A fragrance component
- Surfactant/emulsifying agent
- Aqueous & non-aqueous viscosity-increasing agent
- In the food and beverage industry, it finds usage as a flavoring agent or a food ingredient. The use of cetyl alcohol in the food industry is for pictures or colourful lettering on different sweets or gums.
- In industrial settings, this alcohol can be used as a nuts and bolts lubricant in manufacturing units. Additionally, it is a key component in chemical intermediates, fuels, and plasticizers.
In Conclusion
Cetyl stearyl alcohol is a white, waxy solid that finds application in cosmetics and pharmaceutical products primarily. Creams, lotions, conditioners, and topical medications have cetostearyl alcohol. Regulatory bodies around the world consider this alcohol generally safe for use and non-irritating. Due to its versatility, this alcohol finds its application in various formulations.