What is the Difference Between Cetyl Alcohol and Stearyl Alcohol?

Cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol are both fatty alcohols used in various industries, including cosmetics and personal care products. The main difference between the two lies in their carbon chain lengths and properties.

Cetyl alcohol:

• Has 16 carbon atoms in its structure.
• Is more hydrophilic, which means it can hold onto more water.
• Produces a higher gel phase, resulting in a higher viscosity.
• Melts at 49.3°C.

Stearyl alcohol:

• Has 18 carbon atoms in its structure.
• Is less hydrophilic and has a different crystalline structure.
• Is less polar, resulting in a lower viscosity.
• Melts at 58°C.

Cetyl alcohol breaks more easily when applied, giving a quicker spread compared to stearyl alcohol. Stearyl alcohol, on the other hand, produces a whiter and more opaque product due to its longer carbon chain length. Many formulators like to use a combination of both fatty alcohols to create a more robust formulation, improve stability, and enhance the lamellar gel network. A pre-made blend of cetyl and stearyl alcohol, known as cetostearyl alcohol, is commonly used in various ratios, such as 30:70, 70:30, or 50:50.

Comparative Table: Cetyl Alcohol vs Stearyl Alcohol

The main difference between cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol is their carbon chain length. Cetyl alcohol has 16 carbon atoms, while stearyl alcohol has 18 carbon atoms. Here is a comparison table of their properties:

Both cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol are fatty alcohols used in cosmetics and personal care products. They help improve the texture, viscosity, and stability of the products.