Cetyl Alcohol (Crodacol C90) is a high-purity C16 fatty alcohol that has earned its reputation as one of the most reliable and versatile ingredients in cosmetic formulation. Presented as clean white pellets, it melts smoothly into the oil phase and transforms the texture of any formulation it enters — turning thin, watery emulsions into rich, creamy products that feel genuinely luxurious on the skin.
Don’t let the name mislead you — this is nothing like the drying alcohols found in toners or astringents. Cetyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol, and it behaves accordingly: conditioning, softening, and stabilizing rather than stripping. It’s the ingredient that gives your cream its body, your conditioner its slip, and your lotion its staying power.
Key Benefits
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Texture Enhancement – builds a smooth, creamy consistency in emulsions and creams
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Emollient Effect – softens and conditions skin and hair without greasiness
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Emulsion Stabilizer – acts as a co-emulsifier to prevent separation and improve shelf life
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Viscosity Builder – increases thickness and body in lotions, conditioners, and butters
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Non-Greasy Finish – delivers a lightweight, comfortable feel on skin and hair
Applications
- Face creams & body lotions
- Body butters & rich moisturizers
- Hair conditioners & deep treatment masks
- Styling creams & leave-in treatments
- Lipsticks & color cosmetics
- Pharmaceutical ointments
Recommended Usage Levels
| Application |
Usage Level |
| Creams & Lotions |
1% – 5% |
| Hair Conditioners |
1% – 4% |
| Body Butters |
2% – 6% |
Add to the oil phase and heat until fully melted (approx. 49–51°C) before combining with the water phase.
Technical Profile
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INCI: Cetyl Alcohol
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Appearance: White waxy pellets / flakes
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Melting Point: 49 – 51°C
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Solubility: Oil-soluble
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Function: Emollient, thickener, co-emulsifier
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Grade: Cosmetic
Formulation Tips
Pair with emulsifiers such as Ceteareth-20 or GMS for stable, well-structured emulsions. Works effectively in both oil-in-water and water-in-oil systems. Ideal for improving viscosity without adding greasiness — a go-to choice for formulators building rich yet lightweight textures.
