Natural Heroes 816. Cetyl Alcohol

Cetyl Alcohol is derived from coconuts and is used as a co-emulsifier and stabilizer for creams. It ensures that when you combine fat and water in DIY cosmetic products, they mix well and you get a fine texture. Moreover, Cetyl Alcohol is moisturizing and does not irritate the skin.

Cetyl Alcohol looks like small tablets of white powder, but these tablets melt at a temperature of 49°C (120°F). The name Cetyl Alcohol comes from the Latin word cetus, which means 'whale oil'. Cetyl Alcohol was formerly extracted from whales, but nowadays it is made from coconuts.

Benefits

Hydrates the skin

When you hear "alcohol", you quickly think of a drying liquid that irritates the skin. But unlike most forms of alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol is actually hydrating and soothing. It replenishes the natural lipid layer of the skin and helps prevent your skin from drying out.

For a fine texture

As an ingredient in DIY cosmetic products, Cetyl Alcohol has stabilizing, softening, thickening, and mattifying properties. If you want to use both water- and oil-based ingredients in your product, Cetyl Alcohol ensures that they mix well. Additionally, Cetyl Alcohol contributes to a fine, smooth texture of your product that is very pleasant to apply to your skin. This way, you create a product that spreads lightly and deeply nourishes the skin.

How to use it?

Cetyl Alcohol is intended to be used as an ingredient in DIY cosmetic products. Cetyl Alcohol must be dissolved in heated oil at about 60 degrees Celsius; you cannot add it to a cold mixture. The more Cetyl Alcohol you use, the thicker the texture of your final product. Therefore, follow the recipe you are making precisely and experiment with smaller and larger quantities of Cetyl Alcohol until you have achieved the desired texture. The recommended percentage of Cetyl Alcohol to use in your product is about 1-2%.

What is so special about it?

Unlike other oil-based ingredients such as Beeswax, Cetyl Alcohol provides a light, spreadable texture. Ingredients like Beeswax and Shea Butter can create a wonderfully nourishing product, but the texture is often heavier. If you want to make a lightly spreadable cream, then Cetyl Alcohol is an essential ingredient.