Cetostearyl Alcohol Supplier South Africa

What Is Cetostearyl Alcohol?

Cetostearyl alcohol (cetearyl alcohol) is a mixture of cetyl alcohol (C16) and stearyl alcohol (C18) fatty alcohols, supplied as white waxy flakes or pastilles. Despite being called an “alcohol,” it is a fatty alcohol (not a drying alcohol) and is non-irritating and well-tolerated on the skin. Cetostearyl alcohol is a key functional ingredient in cream and lotion formulation — it acts as an emulsion co-emulsifier and consistency factor that contributes to the physical stability of oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions, produces a rich, smooth skin feel, and forms a stable lamellar gel network in the aqueous phase that prevents droplet coalescence and improves long-term emulsion stability.

Emulsion Formulation Role

In cream and lotion formulation, cetostearyl alcohol is typically used at 2–6% in combination with an emulsifier (such as polysorbate 60, PEG-100 stearate, or a natural emulsifier system). The fatty alcohol partitions between the oil phase and the interfacial lamellar gel phase — at the emulsion interface it co-deposits with the emulsifier to produce a reinforced interfacial film. This lamellar network is responsible for the characteristic “body” and spreadability of stable O/W creams. Cetostearyl alcohol also contributes emolliency and provides a conditioning, non-greasy skin feel. In self-emulsifying grades (containing a co-emulsifier), it can be used as the primary emulsification system for simple cream formulations.

Pharmaceutical and Supply

In pharmaceutical topical formulations, cetostearyl alcohol is a BP/USP-listed ingredient used in official creams and ointments. It is also used in hair conditioners (as a conditioning agent contributing to slip and detangling) and in suppository bases. Terracore Chemicals supplies cetostearyl alcohol in cosmetic and pharmaceutical grades in 25 kg bags and 1 MT bags.