Cetearyl alcohol (CSA)

Cetearyl alcohol (CSA) is a fatty alcohol commonly used in cosmetics and personal care products as an emollient, thickener, co-emulsifier, and stabilizer.
Despite having the word “alcohol” in its name, it’s non-drying and skin-friendly, quite different from simple alcohols like ethanol or isopropanol.
Chemical Overview
• Type: Fatty alcohol (a mixture of cetyl alcohol [C16] and stearyl alcohol [C18])
• INCI name: Cetearyl Alcohol
• Other name: Ceto stearyl alcohol
• Source: Naturally derived from coconut oil, palm oil, or synthetic fatty acids
Physical Properties
Appearance: White, waxy solid flakes or pellets
Odor: Mild or odorless
Melting point~48–56°C
Solubility: Insoluble in water; dispersible in hot oils or emulsions
ChargeNon-ionic
Functions in Cosmetic Formulations
1. Emollient
• Softens and smooths skin and hair
• Forms a protective layer that reduces water loss (helps with moisture retention)
2. Thickener
• Gives lotions, creams, and conditioners a creamy, rich texture
• Increases viscosity and stability of emulsions
3. Co-emulsifier
• Works alongside emulsifying waxes (like Polawax, Olivem 1000, or BTMS)
• Helps stabilize oil-in-water emulsions
4. Conditioner
• In hair products, it adds slip and detangling properties
• Reduces static and frizz
Common Uses
• Moisturizing creams and lotions
• Hair conditioners and masks
• Cleansers and body washes (for texture and mildness)
• Deodorant sticks and lip balms (as a stiffener)

Usage Levels
Typical Usage %Light lotion1–3%
Cream or body butter3–5%
Conditioner2–6%
Solid balm or stick5–10%

• Add to the oil phase and melt before emulsification (≈ 70–75°C)

Benefits
✅ Non-irritating and non-sensitizing
✅ Enhances product stability and feel
✅ Compatible with most emulsifiers (non-ionic, cationic, anionic)
✅ Derived from renewable plant sources

• Not comedogenic (safe for most skin types)
• Does not dry the skin like ethanol or isopropyl alcohol
• May thicken excessively if overused, leading to heavy product texture