Commonly used in lotions, moisturisers, sunscreen, shampoo and conditioners, hair removal creams, hair mousse, anti-frizz hair, hair dye and some cosmetics including mascara.
Uses
Used in personal care products, mainly skin lotions, hair products, and creams to help create smoother creams, thicker lotions, and more stable foam products.
Benefits
• Thickens and stabilises cosmetic products
• Helps soften the skin and hair
• Safe and non-toxic
• Increases foaming capacity
Usage Rate
May be used in concentrations of up to 25%, depending on the formulation and desired thickness.
Strengths
Unlike other alcohols, this fatty alcohol traps water and provides a soothing feel to the skin.
Caution
Ceto-Stearyl Alcohol (also known as cetearyl alcohol) is a mixture of cetyl and stearyl alcohols. When at room temperature, it is a white, waxy solid.
This nonionic surfactant comes from the extraction of vegetable oils such as palm oil. It is a widely used ingredient in skin care formulations where it merves a multitude of functions. Cetostearyl Alcohol may act as an emulsion stabiliser, a fragrance ingredient, an opacifying agent, a surfactant/emulsifying agent, a foam booster, and also a viscosity building agent.