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]
 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)[1] |
| Hazards | |
| GHS labelling: | |
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| Warning | |
| H315, H319, H413 | |
| P281, P501 | |
| NFPA 704 (fire diamond) | |
| 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).
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5% cetyl stearyl alcohol in petrolatum is cytotoxic per the MTT assay.