For procurement professionals and chemical buyers, understanding the properties and sourcing nuances of key industrial chemicals is crucial for efficient operations and product innovation. Cetearyl Alcohol (CAS 8005-44-5) is a widely used fatty alcohol that serves as a versatile ingredient across numerous industries, including cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and daily chemicals. This overview aims to provide chemical buyers with a comprehensive understanding of Cetearyl Alcohol, from its fundamental characteristics to its role as a critical organic intermediate.

What is Cetearyl Alcohol?

Cetearyl Alcohol is a combination of cetyl alcohol (C16) and stearyl alcohol (C18). It is typically presented as a white, waxy solid or flake, with a characteristic mild odor. Its chemical structure imparts excellent emulsifying, emollient, thickening, and stabilizing properties, making it a staple in many formulations. For chemical buyers seeking reliable ingredients, understanding its primary functions is essential.

Key Properties and Functions:

  • Emulsifier: It helps to bind oil and water, creating stable emulsions for products like creams and lotions. This prevents separation and ensures product homogeneity.
  • Emollient: Cetearyl Alcohol softens and smooths the skin by forming a protective layer that reduces moisture loss, enhancing the sensory feel of personal care products.
  • Thickener: It increases the viscosity of formulations, giving them a desirable consistency and texture.
  • Stabilizer: It helps to maintain the integrity of the formulation, ensuring that active ingredients remain evenly distributed and effective.

Applications Across Industries:

The versatility of Cetearyl Alcohol allows it to be a key component in a wide array of products:

  • Cosmetics and Personal Care: Its primary use is in skincare lotions, creams, hair conditioners, shampoos, and other beauty products, contributing to texture, stability, and efficacy.
  • Pharmaceuticals: As a pharmaceutical intermediate, it is used in topical medications, ointments, and creams to improve texture and aid in the delivery of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs).
  • Daily Chemicals: It finds application in liquid soaps, body washes, and cleaning agents for its emulsifying and thickening properties.
  • Industrial Processes: It can serve as a chemical intermediate in various synthesis processes.

Sourcing Considerations for Chemical Buyers:

When looking to purchase Cetearyl Alcohol, chemical buyers should focus on several critical aspects to ensure optimal value and quality:

  • Purity and Grade: Confirm that the product meets the required purity level (often >99%) and is suitable for the intended application (e.g., cosmetic grade, pharmaceutical grade).
  • Supplier Reputation: Partner with reputable manufacturers and suppliers, particularly those with a strong presence in global markets like China, known for competitive pricing and reliable production capabilities.
  • Certifications: Verify quality certifications such as ISO 9001, which indicate robust quality management systems.
  • Packaging and Delivery: Understand the available packaging options and delivery terms to ensure they align with your logistical needs. Flexible delivery options are crucial for inventory management.
  • Pricing and MOQ: Compare prices from multiple suppliers and negotiate terms to secure cost-effectiveness. Be aware of Minimum Order Quantities (MOQ) to ensure they fit your purchasing strategy.

Conclusion:

Cetearyl Alcohol is a highly valuable ingredient for chemical buyers and formulators across multiple sectors. Its unique combination of emulsifying, emollient, and thickening properties makes it indispensable for creating effective and consumer-friendly products. By understanding its applications and meticulously considering sourcing factors, buyers can ensure they procure a high-quality, reliable supply of this essential organic intermediate, supporting both product development and manufacturing efficiency.