Cetostearyl alcohol

n = ~14-16
Names
Other names
Cetearyl alcohol; Cetylstearyl alcohol; Cetyl/stearyl alcohol
Identifiers
ChemSpider
  • none
ECHA InfoCard 100.060.898 Edit this at Wikidata
EC Number
  • 267-008-6
UNII
Properties
CH3(CH2)nCH2OH; n=variable, typically 14-16
Melting point 48 to 56 °C (118 to 133 °F; 321 to 329 K)[1]
Hazards
GHS labelling:
GHS07: Exclamation mark
Warning
H315, H319, H413
P281, P501
NFPA 704 (fire diamond)
NFPA 704 four-colored diamondHealth 1: Exposure would cause irritation but only minor residual injury. E.g. turpentineFlammability 1: Must be pre-heated before ignition can occur. Flash point over 93 °C (200 °F). E.g. canola oilInstability 0: Normally stable, even under fire exposure conditions, and is not reactive with water. E.g. liquid nitrogenSpecial hazards (white): no code
1
1
0
Safety data sheet (SDS) makingcosmetics.com
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).

Cetostearyl alcohol, cetearyl alcohol or cetylstearyl alcohol[1] 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.[2]


5% cetyl stearyl alcohol in petrolatum is cytotoxic per the MTT assay.

References

  1. ^ a b MSDS
  2. ^ Cetostearyl alcohol in the Consumer Product Information Database
Categories