Cetearyl alcohol

(Monaesi skincare uses only natural plant derived cetearyl alcohol)

Cetearyl alcohol (C34H72O2), also referred to as cetostearyl alcohol, cetyl stearyl alcohol, is a mixture of fatty alcohols, primarily cetyl and stearyl alcohols. It is made from natural plants ( coconut, palm, soy, etc) and animal sources, from petroleum-based sources, or can be synthesized chemically. Cetearyl alcohol is different from cetyl alcohol though they both belong to the same class of fatty alcohols. Cetearyl alcohol is different from ethanol, methanol and other drying alcohol which are harsh on the skin. FDA has approved it to be safe non-drying alcohol to be used in alcohol-free products. Besides its usage in the cosmetic industry, it is also used in food industry as a part of food additives, in textile industry in making synthetic fibers, in chemical industries making textile soaps, in the pharmaceutical industry as an excipient, emulsifying and stiffening agent. Technical grade Cetearyl alcohol contains approximately 65% to 80% stearyl and 20% to 35% cetyl alcohols. 1,2,4,5

Cetearyl alcohol is widely used in making skin lotions and creams,hair styling products , lipsticks etc and serves as an emulsion stabilizer, viscosity control agent, coupling agents, and foam booster and stabilizers, surfactant. It is also used as a lubricant in certain products. 2,3,6

Safety and toxicity studies with reference to cetearyl alcohol were done by CFR and their studies have concluded that cetearyl alcohol is a safe ingredient to be used at the concentrations recommended and set.7

While the primary function of cetearyl alcohol in any formula is to act as an emulsifier stabilizer, it also contributes to the sensorial features such as a iding in the easy spreading of the formula, delivering a smooth, velvety, and hydrated feel due to its structure. Its crystalline lamellar structure has a water binding portion which facilitates to hold water molecules within its structure which contributes to the moisturization and smooth to touch sensorial factors.

References:

  1. Synthetic fatty Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office. CFR. (Revised April 1, 1984). Title 21 Part 172.864.
  2. Handbook of Cosmetic Material New York: p. 28.1954.
  3. Current developments in excipients science. Basic Fundamentals of Drug Delivery, Advances in Pharmaceutical research and Development, 2019, pg 29-83.
  4. Encyclopedia of Shampoo Ingredients. Cranford, NJ: Micelle 1983.
  5. Indirect food additives: Adhesives and components of coatings. Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing CFR). (Revised as of April 1, 1984). Title 21 Part 175.105.
  6. Higher alcohols in skin lotions. Cosmet. Perfume. 89, 39-42.
  7. Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, Isostearyl Alcohol, Myristyl Alcohol, and Behenyl Alcohol.Journal of America’s college of Toxicology, Vol 7, no: 3.