Cetyl Alcohol/Stearyl Alcohol/Cetearyl Alcohol

Cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, and cetearyl alcohol are long-chain fatty alcohols widely used in pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and personal care formulations. Despite the name "alcohol," these compounds are not drying or irritating like short-chain alcohols such as ethanol or isopropyl alcohol. Instead, they are wax-like substances derived either from natural sources (such as palm oil, coconut oil, or other vegetable oils) or through synthetic processes.

• Cetyl Alcohol: A 16-carbon fatty alcohol, used primarily as an emollient, thickener, and co-emulsifier.
• Stearyl Alcohol: An 18-carbon fatty alcohol, known for providing structure and firmness to formulations.
• Cetearyl Alcohol: A mixture of cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol, typically in ratios of 30:70 or 50:50, combining the beneficial properties of both to deliver balanced emulsifying and stabilizing functions.

In pharmaceutical excipients, these fatty alcohols serve critical roles: they enhance stability, modify drug release profiles, and improve the texture and feel of topical preparations. Moreover, their compatibility with other lipophilic ingredients makes them indispensable in creams, ointments, gels, and solid dosage forms.

Our Products

Our company specializes in producing high-purity pharmaceutical-grade cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, and cetearyl alcohol. And our products are derived from saturated fatty alcohols of natural origin. All products are manufactured under strict standards to meet pharmacopeial standards such as USP/NF, EP, and ChP.

All three grades are supplied with flexible particle forms (powder, granule, flake, or lump) to facilitate processing in different formulation environments. Moreover, beyond our standard portfolio, we provide customized solutions tailored to specific formulation requirements.

Product Advantages

• Natural Origin, High Purity
  • Derived from saturated fatty alcohols of natural origin, our products are white in color, odorless, tasteless, and of high purity.
  • Their content is tightly controlled to ensure consistent quality and stability across all batches.
• Excellent Emollient and Thickening Properties
  • These products are wax-like emollients that impart smoothness and softness to formulations.
  • In creams, lotions, and anhydrous ointments, they function as effective viscosity enhancers and bodying agents, providing the desired texture and structure.
• Superior Emulsifying and Stabilizing Performance
  • Unique chemical structure of these fatty alcohols allows them to form highly stable emulsions.
  • Improve the water absorption capacity of ointments and W/O emulsions, thereby enhancing formulation functionality and patient compliance.

Recommended Applications

Cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, and cetearyl alcohol are versatile excipients suitable for a broad range of pharmaceutical applications:

Creams and Ointments

Function as emollients and co-emulsifiers, providing stability and luxurious skin feel.

Lotions and Gels

Improve viscosity and spreading properties, ensuring uniform application.

Suppositories

Used as solidifying agents to achieve the desired melting profile and stability in rectal and vaginal suppositories.

Cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, and cetearyl alcohol are indispensable excipients for modern pharmaceutical formulations. With their multifunctional roles as emulsifiers, stabilizers, lubricants, and release modifiers, they contribute significantly to the performance and patient acceptance of both topical dosage forms. Our company provides high-quality, pharmacopeia-compliant, and sustainable grades of these excipients, ensuring reliability, safety, and functionality. With consistent quality, technical support, and supply security, we are committed to being a trusted partner for the global pharmaceutical industry.

Please kindly note that our services are for research use only.