CETO-STEARYL ALCOHOL

Ceto-stearyl alcohol, often listed as Cetearyl Alcohol, is a superstar ingredient in both DIY and commercial cosmetic products. Despite the word “alcohol,” it’s not drying like rubbing alcohol — it’s a fatty alcohol, derived from coconut or palm oil, and it’s super skin- and hair-friendly.

What is Cetearyl Alcohol (Ceto-Stearyl Alcohol)?

Cetearyl alcohol is a blend of cetyl and stearyl alcohols, both of which are waxy fatty alcohols. It comes as a white, waxy solid or flakes, and is oil-soluble.

✅ It’s used as an emollient, thickener, and co-emulsifier in lotions, creams, hair products, and more.

USES of Cetearyl Alcohol

In Skin Care:

• Lotions

• Creams

• Body butters

• Facial moisturizers

• Sunscreens

‍♀️ In Hair Care:

• Conditioners

• Shampoos

• Leave-in treatments

• Hair masks

In Cleansing Products:

• Cleansing balms

• Facial scrubs

• Cold creams

✅ BENEFITS of Cetearyl Alcohol

1. Moisturizing Emollient

• Leaves skin and hair feeling soft, smooth, and conditioned.

• Locks in moisture without being greasy.

2. Improves Texture

• Adds a silky, velvety feel to creams and conditioners.

• Thickens formulas and gives a rich, luxurious consistency.

⚗️ 3. Emulsion Stabilizer

• Helps oil and water mix and stay together.

• Boosts the stability of emulsions, reducing the chance of separation.

4. Gentle and Non-Irritating

• Unlike drying alcohols, cetearyl alcohol is non-drying and skin-friendly.

• Great for sensitive or dry skin.

‍♀️ 5. Enhances Slip and Spreadability

• Makes products easier to spread and apply.

• Reduces drag in creams and hair conditioners.

Usage Range

✅ Add it to the oil phase of your formulation and melt it during the heating process.

DIY Lotion Example Using Cetearyl Alcohol

Simple Nourishing Lotion:

• 70% Distilled Water

• 10% Sweet Almond Oil

• 4% Emulsifying Wax (or BTMS-25)

• 3% Cetearyl Alcohol

• 5% Glycerin

• 1% Preservative

• 1% Essential Oil (optional)

• 6% Other additives (e.g. aloe, panthenol)

️ Heat oil and water phases separately, blend, then cool and add extras. Makes a light, silky lotion!