A combination of fatty alcohols consisting predominantly of cetyl and stearyl alcohols. Used in cosmetics as an emulsifier and emollient. Some of these fatty alcohols are natural and some synthetic.
Cetostearyl alcohol, cetearyl alcohol or cetylstearyl alcohol is a mixture of fatty alcohols, consisting predominantly of cetyl (16 C) and stearyl alcohols (18 C) and is classified as a fatty alcohol. It is used as an emulsion stabilizer, opacifying agent, and foam boosting surfactant, as well as an aqueous and nonaqueous viscosity-increasing agent. It imparts an emollient feel to the skin and can be used in water-in-oil emulsions, oil-in-water emulsions, and anhydrous formulations. It is commonly used in hair conditioners and other hair products.
 n = ~14-16
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| Names | |
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| Other names
Cetearyl alcohol; Cetylstearyl alcohol; Cetyl/stearyl alcohol
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| Identifiers | |
| ChemSpider |
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| ECHA InfoCard | 100.060.898 |
| EC Number |
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| UNII | |
CompTox Dashboard (EPA)
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| Properties | |
| CH3(CH2)nCH2OH; n=variable, typically 14-16 | |
| Melting point | 48 to 56 °C (118 to 133 °F; 321 to 329 K) |
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
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