Cetyl Alcohol

Functions in Formulations

1. Thickener / Consistency Enhancer

• Provides structure and body to creams, lotions, and conditioners.
• Adds a creamy, rich texture without greasiness.
• Improves spreadability and slip.

2. Co-emulsifier

• Helps stabilize emulsions by improving the oil-phase network.
• Commonly paired with BTMS-50, Cetearyl Alcohol, Stearic Acid, or Glyceryl Stearate.

3. Emollient

• Softens and smooths skin and hair.
• Reduces water loss by forming a light occlusive film.

4. Conditioning Aid

• In hair care, improves slip, detangling, and softness.
• Enhances the conditioning performance of cationic emulsifiers like BTMS-50 or Dehyquart C4046.

🧴 Applications
• Hair conditioners / masks — Co-emulsifier, softening agent
• Creams & lotions — Thickener, emollient
• Body butters / balms — Hardener, glide enhancer
• Shampoos & cleansers — Pearlizing agent, emollient
• Deodorants — Stiffening and glide

⚗️ Typical Use Levels

• Lotions & creams: 2–6%
• Conditioners: 1–5%
• Hair masks / body butters: 3–10%
• Melt in oil phase (above 50 °C) before emulsifying.

🔬 Compatibility

• Works well with non-ionic and cationic emulsifiers (e.g., BTMS-50, Dehyquart C4046).
• Incompatible with strong anionic surfactants if used as a co-emulsifier in conditioning systems.
• Helps improve viscosity and stability in both O/W and W/O emulsions.

🧪 Formulation Notes

• High levels (>10%) can cause a waxy or heavy feel.

• Works synergistically with stearyl alcohol — the combination (known as cetearyl alcohol) gives better texture balance.

• In hair care, use alongside a cationic emulsifier for better conditioning.