The short answer
Cetostearyl alcohol is not a single compound but a blend of two fatty alcohols — cetyl alcohol (C16) and stearyl alcohol (C18). It is a waxy, white solid supplied as flakes or pastilles. In a formulation it is not a primary detergent-type surfactant; its job is to stabilise oil-in-water emulsions, build viscosity and leave a smooth emollient feel. The cosmetic INCI name is Cetearyl Alcohol; the pharmacopoeial name is Cetostearyl Alcohol.
Identifiers and grades
| INCI name | Cetearyl Alcohol |
|---|---|
| Pharmacopoeial name | Cetostearyl Alcohol (Ph. Eur. / USP-NF) |
| Composition | Blend of cetyl (C16) and stearyl (C18) alcohols; ratio varies by grade (commonly ~50:50 or 30:70) |
| CAS numbers | 8005-44-5 (cetostearyl alcohol); 67762-27-0 (cetearyl alcohol); cetyl 36653-82-4, stearyl 112-92-5 |
| Appearance | White to off-white flakes, pastilles or waxy solid; faint characteristic odour |
| Melting range | Typically ~49–56 °C (grade dependent) |
| Solubility | Insoluble in water; soluble in oils, alcohols and most organic solvents |
Common grades are cosmetic, pharmaceutical (Ph. Eur. / USP-NF) and technical/industrial. The cetyl:stearyl ratio, melting range and purity are confirmed against your specification before dispatch — share the grade you work to and we match it.
What it does in a formulation
Although it is often called an “emulsifier”, cetostearyl alcohol is more precisely a co-emulsifier and emulsion stabiliser. Used with a primary surfactant (for example in a self-emulsifying emulsifying wax), it:
- thickens the water phase and raises viscosity, giving body to lotions and creams;
- stabilises oil-in-water emulsions and slows separation over shelf life;
- adds a smooth, non-greasy emollient slip and skin feel;
- acts as an opacifier, giving products a rich white appearance.
Where it is used
- Skin care — moisturising creams, lotions, sunscreens and cleansing emulsions.
- Hair care — conditioners and masks, where it deposits a smooth, detangling film.
- Pharmaceutical — an excipient in ointment and cream bases (aqueous and emulsifying ointments).
- Industrial — a wax component and processing aid in polishes, textiles and lubricants.
Cetostearyl vs cetearyl, cetyl and stearyl alcohol
These names cause a lot of confusion on purchase orders:
- Cetostearyl / cetearyl alcohol — the C16 + C18 blend (same material; “cetearyl” is the cosmetic INCI spelling).
- Cetyl alcohol — the C16 fraction alone (hexadecan-1-ol).
- Stearyl alcohol — the C18 fraction alone (octadecan-1-ol).
The blend is usually preferred in emulsions because the two chain lengths together give better crystal structure, stability and feel than either alcohol alone.
Handling, storage and export
Cetostearyl alcohol is a low-hazard but combustible solid. Keep it cool, dry and away from strong oxidisers and ignition sources; store below its melting point so it stays in flake form. It is typically packed in 25 kg bags (or as agreed) and moves as general cargo. Every consignment ships with a Certificate of Analysis (COA) and a GHS Safety Data Sheet (SDS), plus the export documentation the destination requires.
Source cetostearyl alcohol from Scapex Exports
Scapex Exports is an exporter and supplier of cetostearyl alcohol from India, supplying cosmetic and pharmaceutical-grade material against your written specification. We confirm grade, cetyl:stearyl ratio, packing and documentation before order, and ship with COA and SDS.
Product pages: Cetostearyl Alcohol (Cetearyl Alcohol) and Cetostearyl Alcohol — pharmaceutical grade.
Frequently asked questions
Is cetostearyl alcohol the same as cetearyl alcohol?
Yes — they are the same material, a blend of cetyl (C16) and stearyl (C18) fatty alcohols. 'Cetearyl alcohol' is the cosmetic INCI name; 'cetostearyl alcohol' is the pharmacopoeial name used in Ph. Eur. and USP-NF.
Is cetostearyl alcohol a surfactant or an emulsifier?
It is best described as a co-emulsifier and emulsion stabiliser rather than a primary surfactant. It thickens the water phase and stabilises oil-in-water emulsions, and is normally used alongside a primary emulsifier.
What grades of cetostearyl alcohol are available?
Cosmetic, pharmaceutical (Ph. Eur./USP-NF) and technical grades, differing in the cetyl:stearyl ratio, melting range and purity. The grade is confirmed against your specification before dispatch.
Does Scapex provide a COA and SDS for cetostearyl alcohol?
Yes. Every consignment ships with a Certificate of Analysis against the agreed specification and a GHS Safety Data Sheet, along with the export documentation the destination requires.
What is Cetostearyl Alcohol?
Cetostearyl Alcohol (CAS 8005-44-5) is supplied as a white waxy flakes/powder, with the molecular formula C34H72O2 and a molecular weight of 512.9 g/mol. Its main applications include emulsifying and stiffening agent. Scapex Exports exports and supplies it from India in IP/BP/USP/EP grade, with a batch Certificate of Analysis (COA) and MSDS.
What is Cetostearyl Alcohol used for?
The main applications of Cetostearyl Alcohol are emulsifying and stiffening agent.