Cetyl Alcohol

Description

Cetearyl alcohol is a common ingredient in cosmetic products. It is a mixture of fatty alcohols, specifically cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol, which are naturally found in animals and plants like coconut and palm oil. Fatty alcohols are known as long-chain alcohols due to their chemical structure. They typically have an even number of carbon atoms with a single alcohol group (-OH) attached to the last carbon. Personal care products, such as skin lotions, hair products, and creams, often contain cetearyl alcohol. It helps to create a smoother texture in creams, thicker lotions, and more stable foam products. While it can be produced in a laboratory, it is primarily derived from natural sources.

CHEMICAL WARNINGS

Causes serious eye irritation
May form combustible dust concentrations in air

Documents:

Safety Data Sheet