Cetyl Alcohol is a fatty alcohol used in various moisturizers for treatment or prevention of dry, rough, scaly, itchy skin and minor skin irritations. This alcohol is also used as a lubricant for nuts and bolts, opacifier in shampoos, or as an emulsifier, emollient, or thickening agent in various lotions or creams. It takes the form of a waxy white solid or flakes at room temperature. This fatty alcohol softens and moisturizes the skin and decreases itching and flaking. It is safe and effective to be used with no side effects.
Formula | C16H34O |
Melting Point | 49 °C |
Molar Mass | 242.44 g/mol |
Acidity (pKa) | 16.20 |
Solubility in Water | Insoluble |
Solubility | Very soluble in ether, benzene, chloroform; soluble in acetone; slightly soluble in alcohol. |