On many cosmetics labels you can see an ingredient such as cetyl alcohol. Most often it is used instead of a stabilizer for various emulsions and thickeners. This is due to the fact that this substance contributes to an increase in viscosity and improves the structure of cosmetics, regardless of its pH level. In more detail about this wonderful substance, which many housewives love to use in home cosmetics, we will tell further.
Meet: cosmetic alcohol!
Cetyl, or palmitic, alcohol refers to monoatomic chemicals. It was he who became one of the first fatty alcohols used in the cosmetics industry. Cetyl alcohol was first discovered by the French chemist Eugene Chevrel in 1823 while studying a sperm whale fibrous sac. For the same reason, the name of alcohol from Greek is translated as “whale”.
And if initially, for the sake of the extraction of this substance, sperm whales were caught, then much later they learned to synthesize it artificially. One of these methods of alcohol production was the process of partial oxidation of paraffins. Another known method of producing C16H33OH is the long-term hydrogenation of palmitic acid.
Cetyl alcohol: application
After the C16H33OH alcohol was studied in more detail, representatives of the cosmetics industry became interested in it. Later it began to be used in the manufacture of a variety of ointments (for example, anti-burn), lubricants, medicines, surfactants, soaps, solvents and plasticizers.
In addition, cetyl alcohol is used as an excellent thickener for shampoos, balms and hair conditioners. As a co-emulsifier, it is used in the production of depilatory products for women, antiperspirants, cosmetic creams and all kinds of masks.
Due to its antiseptic properties, C16H33OH is often used in cleansing lotions and other products for the body and skin. It foams well and enhances the stability of the foam in similar cosmetic products.
General description of the substance
The alcohol C16H33OH of this type is not in the liquid, but in the solid state. Visually, it resembles hardened white fat, wax or paraffin, which has no taste or smell. It does not dissolve in water, but it melts easily and hardens relatively quickly with some loss of its original form. It is able to be stored and not lose its qualities under absolutely any conditions.
Alcohol melting and boiling point
Cetyl alcohol, like almost any solid substance, can be made soft. However, this is not so simple, since the melting point of this chemical element is 54.6 ° C. It is noteworthy that C16H33OH can be brought to a boil. But it is necessary to heat it even more, at least to 270, or even to 344.0 ° C.
What are the beneficial qualities of alcohol?
Palmitic alcohol has a number of useful qualities that are simply indispensable in the production of pharmacological, chemical and cosmetic products. For example, this alcohol is natural, because it has a natural origin and is created from plant material.
The second important point: cetyl alcohol (in cosmetics it is used to combine several components in creams, lotions and other liquid substances) is an excellent regulator or stabilizer of viscosity and a good thickener. For example, if you do not add it, then sooner or later this or that cosmetic product will lose its original qualities and break up into components. But meanwhile, alcohol does not make creams too thick, on the contrary, they turn out to be of a normal consistency.
It is the alcohol that is part of many creams that gives them such a thick structure that easily hardens in the cold, does not spread and is quickly absorbed. When used in the cosmetic series for the head, C16H33OH helps to improve the appearance of hair, greatly facilitating the process of combing it.
Can I purchase alcohol separately?
Fans of homemade cosmetics often purchase the various ingredients individually. Cetyl, or palmitic, alcohol can also be bought. It is sold, as a rule, in small packages from 50 to 1000 grams in the form of solid granules. Less commonly found on sale by weight.
What are the benefits of cetyl alcohol?
Cetyl is a fatty alcohol with several advantages. For example, it does not cause allergies, therefore, cosmetics with C16H33OH can be used by people with even the most sensitive skin. It is well absorbed and deeply penetrates the surface of the epidermis, endowing it with useful nutrients. In addition, alcohol seems to envelop your skin with a thin protective film that is not visible to the naked eye. This is a kind of barrier that helps protect your body from harmful ultraviolet rays.
Among other things, this chemical element perfectly disinfects the damaged surface of the skin, acting as a weak antiseptic. For example, with its help, small wounds, scratches and cuts heal much faster.
Are there any disadvantages of alcohol?
There is an opinion that alcohol overdries the skin. Therefore, many ladies prefer not to buy cosmetics, which include, for example, cetyl alcohol. In their opinion, it brings harm not only to the skin, but also to the sebaceous glands, which it narrows and clogs. However, this opinion is erroneous, since this substance does not have similar side properties. On the contrary, it helps to narrow the pores and is suitable for almost all types of skin.
In addition, it is C16H33OH that perfectly moisturizes the epidermis, retains the necessary moisture in it and makes it elastic, velvety to the touch.
Based on a recent study of cetyl alcohol by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review, this type of substance is absolutely safe. It does not show toxicity, does not enter into oxidation reactions, therefore, it can be used as one of the ingredients of factory and home-made cosmetics.
Are there any contraindications to the use of cetyl alcohol?
Despite the large list of positive qualities, the use of cetyl alcohol has some contraindications. In particular, you should not use it for those people who have an individual intolerance to the constituent components of alcohol.