Cetyl alcohol
Cetyl alcohol is a 16-carbon straight-chain fatty alcohol sold as white waxy flakes or pastilles. It is made by hydrogenating palm or coconut fatty acids or their methyl esters and distilling out the C16 cut, or synthetically from ethylene. Cosmetic brands buy it as a thickener, opacifier and co-emulsifier for creams, lotions and conditioners.
Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.
Cetyl alcohol meeting the NF or EP monograph, typically 95% or more C16, for pharmaceutical and OTC uses.
Grades with a broader C16 content, sometimes with C14 or C18 alongside, used in personal care.
Grades from certified palm or palm kernel oil supply chains.
Cetyl alcohol made from ethylene by organo-aluminum (Ziegler) chemistry, used where a non-palm source is wanted.
Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.
Store cetyl alcohol sealed in a cool, dry place, away from heat that makes flakes clump. It is chemically stable. Shelf life follows the supplier's specification, with a retest of acid value and appearance for older stock.
Record C16 purity, melting range and source (palm, coconut or synthetic) for each lot. Rotate FIFO and check flakes for caking after warm-weather storage.
Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.
21 CFR 172.864 permits synthetic cetyl and stearyl alcohols, made from ethylene by organo-aluminum chemistry, in food and in the synthesis of food components, and requires not less than 98 percent total alcohols.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)FDA's Substances Added to Food inventory lists cetyl alcohol (CAS 36653-82-4) with the technical effect "flavoring agent or adjuvant".
Source: hfpappexternal.fda.gov (opens in a new tab)Health Canada's Natural Health Products Ingredients Database lists cetyl alcohol with non-medicinal purposes including emollient, emulsion stabilizer, opacifying agent and thickening agent.
Source: webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca (opens in a new tab)21 CFR 310.545(a)(18) lists cetyl alcohol among skin protectant ingredients for which there are inadequate data to establish general recognition of safety and effectiveness as OTC drug actives.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.
Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.
Distributor · Blue Bell, PA
Pennsylvania distributor of oleochemicals and personal care ingredients, including castor products, fatty alcohols, esters, glycerin and natural oils and butters.
Suppliers are in alphabetical order and none pays to appear. Each claim is checked against the supplier’s own website on the date shown. Ask for the specification sheet and a recent COA before you order, and confirm details with the supplier.
Common forms include nF / EP grade, cosmetic grade, rSPO palm-based and synthetic. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.
Expect identity and purity by GC, acid, saponification and iodine values, hydroxyl value, melting range and heavy metals, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.
Store cetyl alcohol sealed in a cool, dry place, away from heat that makes flakes clump. It is chemically stable. Shelf life follows the supplier's specification, with a retest of acid value and appearance for older stock.
21 CFR 172.864 permits synthetic cetyl and stearyl alcohols, made from ethylene by organo-aluminum chemistry, in food and in the synthesis of food components, and requires not less than 98 percent total alcohols. FDA's Substances Added to Food inventory lists cetyl alcohol (CAS 36653-82-4) with the technical effect "flavoring agent or adjuvant". Health Canada's Natural Health Products Ingredients Database lists cetyl alcohol with non-medicinal purposes including emollient, emulsion stabilizer, opacifying agent and thickening agent. 21 CFR 310.545(a)(18) lists cetyl alcohol among skin protectant ingredients for which there are inadequate data to establish general recognition of safety and effectiveness as OTC drug actives.
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