Function

It functions as an Emulsifier in skin care products. It is an alcohol that is derived from a fat, such as a vegetable oil like Coconut Oil or Palm Oil; hence it is also called Palmityl Alcohol.

It doesn’t dissolve in water, but it dissolves in alcohol and oils. Cetyl alcohol is often combined with stearyl alcohol to make cetearyl alcohol, which is also a moisturizer.

Uses

Cetyl alcohol helps prevent creams from separating into oil and liquid. A chemical that helps to keep liquid and oil together is known as an emulsifier. It may also make a product thicker or increase the product’s ability to foam.

Cetyl alcohol is used in hundreds of personal care, cosmetic, and household products, such as makeup, bath soap, detergents, shaving cream, lotions, shampoo and other products