Cetearyl Alcohol (Lanette O)

CAS Number:

67762-27-0 (mixture)  or 8005-44-5

Chemical / INCI Name:

Cetearyl Alcohol

Molecular Formula:

C34H72O2 (mixture of C16H34O and C18H38O)

Molecular Weight:

~512.9 g/mol

Other Names:

Cetostearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Stearyl Alcohol, C16-18 Alcohol, Tallow alcohol .

Brand/Trade Name:

Lanette® O (BASF)

Uses:

Cetearyl Alcohol is a white to pale yellow, waxy solid mixture consisting primarily of cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol . It is a multifunctional, hydrophilic wax widely used as a base in cosmetic and pharmaceutical formulations .

· Skin Care & Cosmetics: Acts as a key emulsifier and viscosity regulator in creams, lotions, and moisturizers to stabilize oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions and provide a rich, stable texture .

· Hair Care: Provides conditioning and a protective effect for hair and scalp, adding softness and manageability .

· Pharmaceuticals: Used as an ointment base in topical medical preparations (e.g., emulsifying ointments) and as a consistency agent in suppositories .

Origin:

It is a vegetable-derived or synthetic fatty alcohol. Industrially, it is produced by the reduction of fatty acids obtained from natural sources like vegetable oils (e.g., palm oil, coconut oil), making it a plant-based and natural origin ingredient . It is COSMOS and NaTrue certified .

What does Cetearyl Alcohol (Lanette® O) do in a formulation?

• Emulsifying Agent / Co-Emulsifier: Stabilizes emulsions and reduces the amount of surfactant needed .
• Viscosity Modifier / Booster: Increases and controls the thickness of formulations .
• Emollient & Skin Conditioning Agent: Softens and smooths the skin .
• Opacifying Agent: Contributes to the pearly or opaque appearance of products .
• Emulsion Stabilizer: Prevents the separation of oil and water phases .

Safety Profile:

· General Hazard Classification: Generally regarded as a non-toxic and safe material for topical use in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals .

· Irritation & Sensitization: Essentially non-irritating, but sensitization reactions (contact allergies) have been reported, particularly in individuals with chronic venous insufficiency or stasis dermatitis . It is considered a rare but recognized allergen .

· Incompatibilities: Incompatible with strong oxidizing agents .

· Regulatory Status: Included in the FDA Inactive Ingredients Database and accepted in pharmacopoeias worldwide (USP/NF, Ph.Eur.). It is also compliant with "Clean Beauty" standards (e.g., Sephora, Credo) .

Technical profile: