Cetyl alcohol (inci)

Cetyl alcohol (from lat. Cetacea = whale) also called palmityl alcohol, is a saturated, long-chain, monohydric alcohol with the molecular formula C16H340. Cetylacohol belongs to the group of fatty alcohols.

Cetyl alcohol usually occurs as a mixture of several, higher fatty alcohols. The mixture is a white, waxy mass in the form of matt-gloss grains and scales.

The fatty alcohol is insoluble in water, easily soluble in ethyl alcohol, ether, chloroform. When melted, cetyl alcohol is miscible with other fats or with paraffins. It is obtained, for example, from coconut oil.

Cetyl alcohol and its derivatives are well tolerated components in cosmetic products. They make the skin smooth and supple. Furthermore, cetyl alcohol acts as emulsifier and clouding agent (clouds the transparency and translucency of cosmetic products).

Cetyl alcohol is the scaffolding agent in Unguentum polyethylenglycoli, the polyethylene glycol ointment.