Cetyl alcohol: description and application

On many labels of cosmetics you can see an ingredient such as cetyl alcohol. Most often it is used instead of a stabilizer for various emulsions and thickeners. This is due to the fact that this substance helps to increase the viscosity and improves the structure of cosmetics, regardless of its pH level. More information about this wonderful substance, which many housewives like to use in home cosmetics, we will tell further.

Meet: cosmetic spirit!

Cetyl, or palmitic, alcohol refers to monoatomic chemicals. It was he who became one of the first fatty alcohols used in the cosmetic industry. For the first time, cetyl alcohol was discovered by the French chemist Eugene Chevrel in 1823 while studying the sperm whale's fibrous sac. For the same reason, the very name of alcohol from Greek is translated as "whale".

And if, initially, for the extraction of this substance, the trapping of sperm whales took place, then much later it was learned to synthesize by artificial means. One of these methods of alcohol extraction was the process of partial oxidation of paraffins. Another known method for the preparation of C16H33OH is prolonged hydrogenation of palmitic acid.

Cetyl alcohol: application

After alcohol C16H33OH was studied in more detail, they were interested in the representatives of the cosmetic industry. Later it was used in the manufacture of various ointments (for example, burns), lubricants, medicines, surfactants, soaps, solvents and plasticizers.

In addition, cetyl alcohol is used as a fine thickener for shampoos, balms and hair conditioners. As co-emulsifier, it is used in the manufacture of depilatory products for women, antiperspirants, cosmetic creams and all kinds of masks.

Due to the presence of antiseptic properties, C16H33OH is often used in cleansing lotions and other products for the body, skin. It perfectly foams and increases the stability of the foam in these cosmetic products.

General description of the substance

The alcohol C16H33OH of this type is not in the liquid but in the solid state. Visually, it resembles hardened white fat, wax or paraffin, which has no taste and smell. It does not dissolve in water, but it easily melts and comparatively quickly solidifies with some loss of the original form. Is able to be stored and not lose its qualities under absolutely any conditions.

Melting point and boiling point of alcohol

Alcohol cetyl, like almost any solid, can be made soft. However, this is not so simple, since the melting point of this chemical element is 54.6 ° C. It is noteworthy that C16H33OH can be brought to a boil. That's only it needs to be even more heated, at least to 270, and even to 344.0 ° C.

What are the useful qualities of alcohol?

Palmitinovy alcohol has a number of useful qualities that are simply indispensable in the manufacture of pharmacological, chemical and cosmetic products. For example, this alcohol is natural, because it has a natural origin and is created from plant material.

The second important point: cetyl alcohol (in cosmetics it is used to combine several constituents in creams, lotions and other liquid substances) is an excellent regulator or viscosity stabilizer and a good thickener. For example, if you do not add it, sooner or later this or that cosmetic product will lose its original qualities and fall into its components. But meanwhile, alcohol does not make creams too thick, on the contrary, they get a normal consistency.

It is alcohol, which is part of many creams, gives them such a dense structure, which easily stiffens in the cold, does not spread and is quickly absorbed. When used in the cosmetic series for the head, C16H33OH improves the appearance of the hair, greatly facilitating the process of combing them.

Can I buy alcohol separately?

Fans of making home cosmetics often buy different ingredients separately. Cetyl, or palmitic, alcohol can also be bought. It is usually sold in small packages from 50 to 1000 grams in the form of solid granules. Less common in sales for weight.

What are the advantages of cetyl alcohol?

Cetyl - fatty alcohol, which has several advantages. For example, it does not cause allergies, therefore, cosmetic products with C16H33OH can be used by people even with the most sensitive skin. It is well absorbed and deeply penetrates the surface of the epidermis, giving it useful nutrients. In addition, alcohol seems to envelop your skin with a thin protective film that is not visible to the naked eye. This is a kind of barrier that helps to protect your body from harmful ultraviolet rays.

Among other things, this chemical element perfectly disinfects the damaged skin surface, acting as a weak antiseptic. For example, with his help, small wounds, scratches and cuts heal much quicker.

Are there any drawbacks to alcohol?

There is an opinion that alcohol overdry the skin. Therefore, many ladies prefer not to buy cosmetics, which includes, for example, cetyl alcohol. Harm, in their opinion, it brings not only the skin, but also the sebaceous glands, which narrows and clogs. However, this opinion is erroneous, since this substance does not have similar side effects. On the contrary, it helps to narrow the pores and is suitable for almost all skin types.

In addition, it is C16H33OH that perfectly moisturizes the epidermis, preserves the necessary moisture in it and makes it supple, velvety to the touch.

Based on a recent study of cetyl alcohol conducted by Cosmetic Ingredient Review, this type of substance is absolutely safe. It does not show toxicity, does not enter into oxidation reactions, so it can be used as one of the ingredients of factory and home-made cosmetics.

Are there any contraindications to the use of cetyl alcohol?

Despite the large list of positive qualities, the use of cetyl alcohol has some contraindications. In particular, it should not be used for those people who have an individual intolerance of the constituent components of alcohol.