Description

1-Hexadecanol (Cetyl Alcohol) Powder

Look at the ingredient label of almost any lotion, conditioner, or cream. Somewhere near the middle, you'll see it: Cetyl Alcohol. Most people read "alcohol" and panic. "Isn't that drying?" No. Not this one.

1-Hexadecanol (cetyl alcohol) is a fatty alcohol - a long, 16‑carbon chain with a single -OH group at the end. It's derived from natural oils (palm, coconut) or synthesized from petroleum. It looks like a white waxy powder. It feels smooth, almost silky. And it does not sting, dry, or strip your skin.

What It Actually Does (The Unsung Hero): Thickener (adds viscosity without greasiness), emulsion stabilizer (prevents oil‑water separation), opacifier (creates that creamy white "rich" look), co‑emulsifier (strengthens emulsions), and conditioner (coats hair, reduces friction, adds softness).

The "Good Alcohol" vs. "Bad Alcohol" Chart:

Type	Example	Function	Drying?
Fatty alcohols	Cetyl alcohol, Cetearyl alcohol	Thickener, stabilizer, conditioner	No
Simple alcohols	Ethanol, Isopropyl alcohol	Solvent, astringent	Yes
Diols / Glycols	Propylene glycol, Butylene glycol	Humectant, solvent	Mild

🌴 Sustainability Note: We offer RSPO (Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil) certified cetyl alcohol. Palm‑free (coconut‑derived) and synthetic (petroleum‑based) options also available. No whales are harmed - the name "cetyl" comes from Latin cetus (whale), but modern sources are 100% plant‑based or synthetic.

Specification: 98.0% – 102.0% (on dried basis)
Sample: Sample Available
Test method: GC / Titration (Acid value, Hydroxyl value) / Melting point
Synonyms: Cetyl alcohol, Cetanol, Hexadecyl alcohol, Palmityl alcohol, 1-Hexadecanol
MOQ: 1 KG | Package: 1kg/foil bag, 25kgs/fiber drum
Certificate: HACCP, ISO 22000, HALAL, GMP, Kosher, RSPO available
Molecular Formula: C₁₆H₃₄O | CAS: 36653-82-4

Product Characteristics

🧂

Appearance

Fine, free‑flowing white waxy powder or pearlescent flakes; faint characteristic odor.

⚗️

Purity

≥98% C16 alcohol (GC). Low C14 and C18 impurities.

🌡️

Melting Point

48 – 52°C - melts to clear oil upon heating.

💧

Solubility

Insoluble in water. Soluble in hot ethanol, isopropanol, and oils.

📏

Particle Size

>95% pass 40 mesh (powdered form).

🏭

GMP Manufacturing

Hydrogenation of methyl palmitate from palm or coconut oil.

Benefits of 1-Hexadecanol (Cetyl Alcohol) Powder

01Thickens Without Feeling Heavy

Cetyl alcohol adds body and viscosity to lotions and creams without leaving a greasy residue. Creates that "rich but not oily" texture consumers love.

02Stabilizes Emulsions

Sits at the oil‑water interface, strengthening the emulsion and preventing coalescence (separation). Extends product shelf life significantly.

03Non‑Drying - Not Like Ethanol

Large, non‑volatile fatty alcohol that stays on the skin. Acts as an emollient, adding moisture and softness, not removing it. Safe for dry and sensitive skin.

04Improves Spreadability & Texture

Modifies the rheology (flow behavior) of creams, making them glide smoothly across skin. The "silky" feel in high‑end moisturizers often comes from cetyl alcohol.

05Hair Conditioning - Anti‑Static & Softening

Coats the hair shaft, reducing friction between fibers. Prevents flyaways, tangling, and breakage. Leaves hair smooth and soft without weighing it down.

06Excellent Stability & Sustainability

Saturated fatty alcohol - does not oxidize or hydrolyze. Shelf life of 36+ months. RSPO certified sustainable palm oil options available.

Application Fields

Cosmetics & Personal Care (Primary Market): Facial moisturizers & creams (1–5%), body lotions & butters (2–6%), sunscreens (1–3%), hair conditioners & masks (2–7%), leave‑in conditioners (1–3%), makeup foundations (1–4%), lip balms & lipsticks (2–8%), shaving creams (2–5%), hand creams (3–6%).
Pharmaceutical: Topical ointments/creams (USP formulations), suppository bases (hardening agent), emollient in medicated plasters.
OEM Finished Products: Rich moisturizing cream, ultra‑conditioning hair mask, shea butter body lotion, custom fatty alcohol blends, light lotions - full custom manufacturing available.

Production Process

Production process of Cetyl Alcohol

Process: Palm/coconut oil → extraction → methyl ester formation (transesterification) → hydrogenation (200 bar, 200°C, copper‑chromite catalyst) → fractional distillation → crystallization → milling → sieving → packaging.

Product Quality Advantage

≥98% Purity – High-purity C16 fatty alcohol.

Low Acid Value – ≤0.2 mg KOH/g (minimizes irritation).

Low C14/C18 Impurities – Consistent melting point, predictable performance.

Powder Form – Free‑flowing, easy to handle, disperses readily.

RSPO Certified Available – Sustainable sourcing options.

cGMP Certified – Full traceability and documentation.

Annual Capacity: 1,500 Tons | 15+ years of cosmetic raw material sourcing

Professional ODM/OEM Services

We provide full OEM/ODM manufacturing for finished products using Cetyl Alcohol as a functional ingredient (thickener, stabilizer, conditioner).

① Finished Skincare & Haircare Products
Rich Moisturizing Cream (4% Cetyl Alcohol): Thick, luxurious texture, non‑greasy.
Ultra‑Conditioning Hair Mask (5% Cetyl Alcohol): Smooth, detangling, anti‑static.
Shea Butter Body Lotion (3% Cetyl Alcohol): Rich body lotion with excellent spreadability.
Cetyl + Cetearyl Alcohol Blend Cream: Custom viscosity profiles.
Light Lotion (2% Cetyl Alcohol): For pump bottles, fluid yet stable.

② Formulation Support
Viscosity targeting, emulsion stability testing, custom fatty alcohol blends (cetyl + stearyl + behenyl for specific melting points), RSPO certification documentation.

③ Additional Services
Third‑party certification (Kosher, HALAL, Ecocert), regulatory documentation (EU Cosmetic Regulation, FDA OTC monograph for sunscreens).

Export Certificates

Certificates HACCP ISO HALAL GMP Kosher RSPO

Why choose us

XI'AN LANDNUTRA CO., LTD. – Your Trusted Manufacturer of Antioxidant & Functional Ingredients. Rooted in Quality, Driven by Expertise, Committed to Health and Excellence.

Strong Production Capability: Annual capacity 1,500 tons. 15+ years experience, own facility.
Leading Service: ONE-STOP OEM/ODM from pre-sales to after-sales.
Quality Assurance: CQC-certified enterprise, purity embedded in every process.
Broad Market: Botanical Extracts, Cosmetic Ingredients, Functional Ingredients.

15+ years of cosmetic raw material sourcing. cGMP‑certified facilities. Full in‑house OEM/ODM capabilities for creams, lotions, conditioners, and sunscreens. RSPO certified supply chain. Batch‑specific COA including assay, acid value, hydroxyl value, iodine value, and heavy metals. Technical support for emulsion formulation (viscosity prediction, stability optimization).

FAQ

Q1: Is cetyl alcohol safe for skin?

A: Yes - for the vast majority of people. Non‑toxic, non‑irritating, non‑sensitizing. The FDA considers it safe (GRAS). However, a small percentage of acne‑prone individuals may find it comedogenic (rating 2–3 on a scale of 0–5). Individual response varies.

Q2: Is cetyl alcohol drying like ethanol?

A: No - common misconception. Ethanol is small, volatile, and strips oil. Cetyl alcohol is a large, non‑volatile fatty alcohol that stays on skin and acts as an emollient. It adds moisture, doesn't remove it.

Q3: What's the difference between cetyl alcohol and cetearyl alcohol?

A: Cetyl alcohol is pure C16. Cetearyl alcohol is a blend of C16 and C18. Cetearyl is more common in creams (lower melting point, smoother texture). Cetyl gives a firmer, waxier feel - better for lip balms, deodorants, and harder sticks.

Q4: Is cetyl alcohol vegan?

A: Yes - if derived from vegetable sources (palm, coconut) or synthetic (petroleum). The name comes from Latin "cetus" (whale), but modern sources are plant‑based. We do not sell whale‑derived cetyl alcohol.

Q5: Does cetyl alcohol cause acne?

A: For most people, no. For a subset of acne‑prone individuals, comedogenic rating of 2–3 (moderate). If customers break out from rich moisturizers, try a gel‑based formula without fatty alcohols.

Q6: What concentration should I use in my cream?

A: Light lotion: 1–3%; Medium cream: 3–5%; Rich night cream/body butter: 5–8%; Hair conditioner: 2–7%; Lip balm: 5–10% (with beeswax).

Q7: How do I incorporate cetyl alcohol into my formulation?

A: Add to oil phase. Heat both phases to 75–80°C. Cetyl alcohol melts at 48–52°C, liquefying in hot oil. Homogenize, cool slowly with gentle stirring. It recrystallizes in final cream, contributing structure and stability.

Q8: Can cetyl alcohol be used in cold‑process formulations?

A: No - cold process will not melt cetyl alcohol. You will have gritty, undissolved particles. Always heat to at least 70°C to fully melt and disperse.

Q9: What is the shelf life of cetyl alcohol powder?

A: 36 months in original sealed container under cool, dry conditions (≤25°C, ≤60% RH). Very stable - does not oxidize (saturated), does not hydrolyze (not an ester).

Q10: Is cetyl alcohol soluble in water?

A: No - insoluble. Floats. Must be emulsified with a proper surfactant system to form a stable lotion. Do not add directly to water.

Q11: What's the difference between cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol?

A: Stearyl alcohol is C18 (one more carbon). Higher melting point (56–60°C), firmer, waxier feel. Many formulations use a blend (cetearyl alcohol) to balance firmness and spreadability.

Q12: Is cetyl alcohol natural?

A: Yes - if derived from palm or coconut oil. Naturally occurring fatty alcohol found in small amounts in some plant oils. Our vegetable‑derived cetyl alcohol is considered natural by Ecocert (though hydrogenation is a chemical process). Check with your certifier.

Test Item	Specification	Test Result	Conclusion
Appearance	White waxy powder or flakes	Conforms	Pass
Assay (GC, C16 alcohol)	≥98.0%	99.2%	Pass
C14 Alcohol	≤1.5%	0.6%	Pass
C18 Alcohol	≤1.5%	0.2%	Pass
Melting Point	48 – 52°C	49.8°C	Pass
Acid Value	≤1.0 mg KOH/g	0.2 mg KOH/g	Pass
Hydroxyl Value	220 – 240 mg KOH/g	228 mg KOH/g	Pass
Iodine Value	≤1.0 g I₂/100 g	0.3 g I₂/100 g	Pass
Heavy Metals (as Pb)	≤10 ppm	<2 ppm	Pass
Total Plate Count	≤1,000 cfu/g	<100 cfu/g	Pass

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