Product: Ceto Stearyl Alcohol (CSA)
Rchem Ceto Stearyl Alcohol (CSA) is a high-purity, fatty alcohol blend, presented as white waxy pellets, flakes, or pastilles. It is a mixture of predominantly cetyl alcohol (C16, approx. 30-50%) and stearyl alcohol (C18, approx. 50-70%), derived from natural vegetable oils (coconut, palm, or palm kernel oil). Renowned for its exceptional emollient, thickening, stabilizing, and co-emulsifying properties, it is a cornerstone ingredient in the cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and personal care industries for producing stable, elegant creams, lotions, conditioners, and ointments.
Category: powder
Description
Key Features & Benefits:
● Excellent natural thickening agent with high viscosity at low concentrations
● Effective stabilizer for emulsions and suspensions in various formulations
● Clean-label ingredient suitable for organic and natural product formulations
● Improves texture and shelf life in food products
● Enhances viscosity and stability in cosmetic formulations
● Cost-effective alternative to synthetic thickeners and stabilizers
Technical Specifications Table:
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Product Origin
PALM DERIVATIVES STATUS
VEGAN SUITABLE
Chemical Formulae
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the difference between Ceto Stearyl Alcohol (CSA) and Cetyl Alcohol or Stearyl Alcohol alone?
Property Cetyl Alcohol (C16) Ceto Stearyl Alcohol (C16/C18 blend) Stearyl Alcohol (C18) Melting Point ~49°C (120°F) ~50-55°C (122-131°F) ~58°C (136°F) Skin Feel Lighter, less waxy Balanced, smooth, velvety Richer, more substantive Viscosity Contribution Moderate Moderate-High Higher Crystallization Smaller crystals Balanced Larger crystals Ceto Stearyl Alcohol offers the best balance of properties, providing a smooth, velvety skin feel with good thickening and stabilizing performance, making it the most widely used fatty alcohol in cosmetics.
No, not as a primary emulsifier. Ceto Stearyl Alcohol is a co-emulsifier and emulsion stabilizer, not a primary emulsifier. It cannot produce a stable emulsion on its own because it lacks the hydrophilic head group necessary to significantly reduce interfacial tension. It must be used in combination with a primary emulsifier (e.g., Glyceryl Stearate, Ceteareth-20, Polysorbate 60, or a self-emulsifying base). However, it is an essential co-emulsifier in most O/W creams and lotions.
Can Ceto Stearyl Alcohol be used alone as an emulsifier?
In hair conditioners, Ceto Stearyl Alcohol serves multiple critical functions: (1) Thickening – provides the rich, creamy consistency expected of a conditioner; (2) Emulsion stabilization – stabilizes the conditioner base; (3) Co-emulsifier – helps disperse cationic surfactants (e.g., Behentrimonium Chloride, Cetrimonium Chloride) which are the primary conditioning agents; (4) Lubrication – provides slip and detangling properties; (5) Opacifier – gives the characteristic pearly-white appearance. It is widely considered an essential ingredient in almost all rinse-off hair conditioners.
What is the function of Ceto Stearyl Alcohol in a hair conditioner?
Ceto Stearyl Alcohol is generally considered to have a low comedogenic rating (typically 0-1 on a scale of 0-5, meaning very low potential to clog pores). However, there is some debate. Some individuals with highly acne-prone skin report sensitivity to fatty alcohols. The comedogenicity depends on: (1) Purity of the CSA; (2) Concentration in the final product; (3) Individual skin chemistry. For most users, CSA is non-comedogenic and non-irritating. For extremely sensitive/acne-prone skin, patch testing is recommended.
Is Ceto Stearyl Alcohol safe for use on oily or acne-prone skin? Can it clog pores?
Handling: Ceto Stearyl Alcohol is a waxy solid at room temperature. Use appropriate PPE including a dust mask, gloves, and safety goggles. Avoid inhalation of dust. Formulation (Hot Process): (1) Add CSA to the oil phase along with other lipophilic ingredients (emulsifiers, oils, emollients); (2) Heat both oil and water phases to 70-75°C (158-167°F) ; (3) Ensure CSA is fully melted; (4) Proceed with emulsification; (5) Cool slowly with stirring to room temperature. If CSA is not fully melted, grainy or crystalline textures may result. Troubleshooting: If the final product feels grainy or waxy, ensure the CSA was fully melted during processing and that cooling was slow with consistent stirring to prevent large crystal formation. Storage: Store in a cool, dry place in tightly sealed original containers. Protect from moisture, extreme heat (below 40°C / 104°F), and direct sunlight. Shelf life is typically 24-36 months under proper storage. Always refer to the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for comprehensive handling, safety, and first-aid information.
