Cetostearyl alcohol (also known as cetearyl alcohol) is a mixture of cetyl and stearyl fatty alcohols, widely used in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals as a nonionic emulsifier, thickener, emollient and consistency agent. Its waxy, oil-compatible nature allows it to stabilise both oil-in-water (O/W) and water-in-oil (W/O) emulsions while providing a rich, creamy skin feel.
Cetostearyl Alcohol – Nonionic Emulsifying Wax & Consistency Agent from TCS INDUSTRIES LIMITED is optimised for use in:
- Creams, lotions and body butters, where it builds viscosity and cushion.
- Hair conditioners and masks, providing slip, conditioning and improved combability.
- Dermatological ointments and medical creams, where stable emulsions and structure are critical to efficacy and patient acceptance.
In formulation, cetostearyl alcohol often acts as a co-emulsifier and structure builder, working alongside primary emulsifiers and surfactants. It helps prevent phase separation, improves freeze-thaw stability and refines the overall texture of the product. Because it is nonionic, it is generally compatible with a wide range of ionic and nonionic ingredients, making it highly versatile.
TCS GROUP positions cetostearyl alcohol within a broader Pharmaceutical Excipients and cosmetic base portfolio, allowing formulators to create complete systems. For example:
- The Pharmaceutical Excipients overview page highlights other functional excipients that can be paired with cetostearyl alcohol in dermatological or topical formulations.
- In more complex creams and lotions, rheology and stability can be further tuned by combining this wax with Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium – Thickener, Stabilizer & Suspending Agent to enhance water-phase viscosity and suspension properties.
- For sun care or protective day creams, cetostearyl alcohol provides structure and skin feel when combined with UV filters and actives, such as Beta-Cyclodextrin – Inclusion Complex Agent & Solubility Enhancer that can help solubilise and stabilise poorly soluble actives within the formula.
Formulation tips include controlling the oil-to-wax ratio, ensuring proper melting and cooling profiles, and adjusting co-emulsifier levels to hit target viscosity and sensory properties. When used correctly, cetostearyl alcohol provides the “backbone” of many creams—creating a stable, elegant emulsion with a soft, non-greasy finish.
By choosing Cetostearyl Alcohol from TCS INDUSTRIES LIMITED, manufacturers benefit from consistent quality, tailored technical support and seamless integration with other excipients and cosmetic actives, enabling the development of high-performance skincare, haircare and topical treatment products.