"1-hexadecanol (cetyl alcohol) CAS 36653-82-4 is a multifunctional fatty alcohol used in skincare, hair care, pharmaceuticals, and industry. Provides emollient feel, emulsification, thickening, and stable, mild performance."
-Deshangchemical
Formulators across personal care, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and industry rely on multifunctional raw materials that deliver texture, stability, and safety. 1-hexadecanol CAS 36653-82-4, widely known as cetyl alcohol, is one such long-chain fatty alcohol valued for its emollient, emulsifying, thickening, and sensory-enhancing properties. Mild, stable, and plant-derivable, 1-hexadecanol is a core building-block ingredient in modern “clean” and performance-driven formulations.
What Is 1-Hexadecanol (CAS 36653-82-4)?
1-Hexadecanol (cetyl alcohol) is a saturated C16 fatty alcohol (molecular formula C₁₆H₃₄O) typically produced from natural fats and oils. Supplied as a white waxy solid or flakes, it melts around 49–51°C and is insoluble in water but soluble in alcohols, ethers, and cosmetic oils—ideal for oil and emulsion systems that require structure and velvety feel.
Key Features & Advantages of 1-Hexadecanol CAS 36653-82-4
Emollient & Moisturizing
Creates a soft, conditioned skin feel; helps reduce transepidermal water loss when used with occlusive systems.
Co-Emulsifier / Stabilizer
Improves stability in both O/W and W/O emulsions; enhances viscosity and phase integrity.
Texture Builder
Adds body and creaminess to lotions, creams, hair masks, and conditioning bars.
Mild & Low Irritation
Suitable for sensitive-skin and hypoallergenic formulations.
Process Friendly
Compatible with silicones, natural oils, esters, cationic conditioners, and many actives used in advanced personal care systems.
Industrial Utility
Functions as slip/lubricity modifier, plasticizer, and anti-static additive in selected technical applications.
Application Areas
Skin Care: Moisturizers, body lotions, barrier creams, night creams—adds structure and silky after-feel.
Hair Care: Conditioners, masks, leave-ins—improves combability, softness, and deposition of conditioning agents.
Color & Makeup: Lipsticks, foundations, primers—improves glide, payoff, and wear consistency.
Pharmaceutical & Dermaceutical Formulations
Used as an excipient and ointment/cream base; supports stable emulsions for topical APIs.
Helps achieve desirable spread and patient acceptability in medicated lotions.
Safety & Regulatory Profile
1-hexadecanol (CAS 36653-82-4) is considered low-toxicity, non-sensitizing, and non-irritating in typical cosmetic use levels. It is permitted under EU Cosmetic Regulation and compliant with FDA cosmetic ingredient guidelines when appropriately formulated. Grades are available that meet pharma, personal care, vegan, and natural-origin positioning needs. Biodegradable profiles support eco-conscious and clean-label development.
Market & Sustainability Outlook
Growing global demand for gentle, plant-based structuring agents is boosting interest in cetyl alcohol. As brands reformulate toward sulfate-free, silicone-free, and eco-positioned systems, 1-hexadecanol CAS 36653-82-4 is increasingly selected as a multifunctional texture and sensory enhancer. Its role will continue to expand in premium skincare, dermocosmetics, solid-format (waterless) beauty, and naturally derived hair conditioning products.
Conclusion
From rich creams to lightweight emulsions and performance hair care, 1-hexadecanol (cetyl alcohol) CAS 36653-82-4 delivers structure, softness, stability, and a premium sensorial profile. Mild, versatile, and formulation-friendly, it remains a cornerstone fatty alcohol for next-generation personal care, pharmaceutical excipients, and specialty industrial systems. If you’re developing high-performance or clean-label products, 1-hexadecanol belongs on your shortlist.
