TCS Industries Limited (China-sourced API supplier) supplies Cetyl Alcohol –- Emollient & Thickener for Topical Formulations CAS 36653-82-4 for pharmaceutical B2B procurement — COA, MSDS, and technical documentation available on request.
> Overview
| Product Name | Cetyl Alcohol –- Emollient & Thickener for Topical Formulations |
|---|---|
| Structural Formula |  |
| CAS Number | 36653-82-4 |
| Molecular Formula | C₁₆H₃₄O |
| Molecular Weight | 242.44 g/mol |
| InChIKey | BXWNKGSJHAJOGX-UHFFFAOYSA-N |
| SMILES | Available on request where applicable |
| Appearance | White waxy flakes or granules |
| Purity / Grade | By agreed specification and batch COA |
| Storage | Keep tightly closed in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place |
Cetyl Alcohol (CAS 36653-82-4) is a C16 saturated fatty alcohol with the formula CH₃(CH₂)₁₄CH₂OH (MW 242.44), also known as 1-hexadecanol or palmityl alcohol. It is a white, waxy solid with a faint characteristic odor. Cetyl Alcohol is used as an emollient, thickener, emulsion stabilizer, and opacifier in pharmaceutical creams, cosmetic lotions, and personal care products.
TCS Industries Limited, a Hong Kong-based trading and sourcing company, supplies Cetyl Alcohol in pharmaceutical (USP-NF/Ph.Eur.) and cosmetic grades for global procurement programs.
> Applications
Emollient and thickener in topical pharmaceutical formulations
Cetyl alcohol is used in cream and ointment bases as a viscosity modifier, emulsion co-stabilizer, and skin emollient. It contributes to the “body” and spreading characteristics of topical formulations. In hydrophilic ointment (USP), cetyl alcohol is a specified component. Pharmaceutical-grade material must meet USP-NF or Ph.Eur. monograph specifications. Eccleston (J Soc Cosmet Chem, 1990, 41:1–22) described the role of fatty alcohols in structured cream formation and stability.
Cosmetic emollient and hair care conditioning agent
In cosmetic formulations, cetyl alcohol provides emollient skin feel, thickening, and pearlescent opacity in creams, lotions, and hair conditioners. It is a standard ingredient in conditioner bars, leave-in treatments, and body butters. Cosmetic-grade material requires low odor, white colour, and narrow melting range for formulation consistency.
> Sourcing & Supply
TCS Industries Limited supports development, qualification and commercial purchasing discussions for Cetyl Alcohol –- Emollient & Thickener for Topical Formulations with buyers in South America, Europe, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico and Canada.
- Evaluation and commercial quantities: 5 kg samples for formulation trials; 25 kg bags or drums for production. Pharmaceutical (NF/Ph.Eur.) and cosmetic grades available.
- Pallet quantities and production campaigns: repeat supply is coordinated against packaging, lead time, annual demand and destination-market import requirements.
> Quality & Documentation
Key specification parameters include assay (≥95.0% C16 for NF grade), acid value (≤1.0), iodine value (≤2.0), saponification value (≤2.0), hydroxyl value (218–238), melting range (45–50 °C), colour (white), odor (faint), and heavy metals. Pharmaceutical grade must meet USP-NF (Cetyl Alcohol) or Ph.Eur. (Alcohol cetylicus) monograph requirements. COA and MSDS are standard.
> Packaging
Cetyl Alcohol is supplied as white waxy pastilles or flakes. Standard packaging includes 25 kg multiply paper bags with PE liner. Store at controlled room temperature (15–25 °C). Shelf life is typically 36 months. Labels and documents are checked before dispatch.
> Pricing & MOQ
Pricing is quoted by specification, packaging and destination. Common commercial discussions use 25 kg bag/drum formats, pallet quantities and production-campaign planning; smaller samples may be reviewed for qualified formulation teams.
> Regulatory & Compounding Context
Cetyl Alcohol is monographed in USP-NF, BP and Ph.Eur. Listed in the FDA IID for topical dosage forms. INCI-listed (Cetyl Alcohol). Permitted in cosmetics per EU Regulation 1223/2009 (non-restricted). Kosher and Halal certification available. No special import permits required. Not classified as dangerous goods.
> Alias Index
- IUPAC: 1-Hexadecanol
- CAS Number: 36653-82-4
- Formula: C₁₆H₃₄O (MW 242.44)
- INCI: Cetyl Alcohol
- Pharmacopoeial names: Alcohol cetylicus (Ph.Eur.), Cetyl Alcohol (USP-NF)
- Common names: Palmityl alcohol, 1-Hexadecanol, n-Hexadecanol, Ethal
- InChIKey: HXNKQSFDWIGKEF-UHFFFAOYSA-N
- Commercial request terms: cetyl alcohol NF, palmityl alcohol, 1-hexadecanol cosmetic, fatty alcohol C16, TCS Industries Limited
> FAQ
What is the difference between Cetyl Alcohol and Cetostearyl Alcohol?
Cetyl Alcohol (CAS 36653-82-4) is pure C16 fatty alcohol. Cetostearyl Alcohol (CAS 67762-27-0) is a mixture of C16 and C18 fatty alcohols in defined ratios. They have different CAS numbers, monographs, and melting ranges. Specify which material is required.
What documents are available for Cetyl Alcohol –- Emollient & Thickener for Topical Formulations orders?
COA and MSDS are standard for commercial discussions. COO, packing list, invoice and other import-support documents can be arranged according to order scope.
Can TCS Industries Limited support Cetyl Alcohol –- Emollient & Thickener for Topical Formulations supply to South America?
Yes. We support B2B buyers in Argentina, Colombia, Chile, Peru, Ecuador, Uruguay, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, Venezuela, Guyana and Suriname, subject to route and document review.
Do you support Europe, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico and Canada?
Yes. These destinations can be reviewed for project supply, import documents, packaging and logistics planning before quotation.
Is Cetyl Alcohol drying to the skin?
No. Despite the name “alcohol,” cetyl alcohol is a fatty (long-chain) alcohol with emollient and moisturizing properties. It is not a short-chain alcohol (ethanol, isopropanol) and does not dry the skin. It forms a protective occlusive layer that reduces transepidermal water loss.
Is Cetyl Alcohol vegan and cruelty-free?
Cetyl alcohol can be derived from palm oil, coconut oil, or petrochemical sources. Plant-derived material is available for vegan and natural cosmetic formulations. Specify the required origin (plant-derived, RSPO-certified palm, or synthetic) at inquiry.
Can you arrange samples before commercial purchasing?
Samples or evaluation quantities may be reviewed for qualified buyers after target specification, application and destination-market requirements are clarified.
How is Cetyl Alcohol –- Emollient & Thickener for Topical Formulations packaged for export?
Packaging is confirmed by quantity and material properties. Typical options include foil bags, HDPE containers, fibre drums, 25 kg bags or palletized export packaging.
Can buyer-defined specifications be reviewed?
Yes. Send the specification, methods, impurity limits and required documents. TCS can review feasibility before confirming quotation and lead time.
What payment terms are normally used?
Standard payment is 100% T/T before dispatch unless a different arrangement has been approved for an established commercial account.
What lead time should buyers expect?
Lead time depends on stock, batch size, document scope and destination. Available stock can move faster; made-to-order or pallet programs require longer planning.
What pharmacopoeial grades are available?
TCS sources USP-NF grade (Cetyl Alcohol) and Ph.Eur. grade (Alcohol cetylicus). The USP-NF monograph requires ≥95.0% C16 content. Cosmetic INCI grade is also available. Specify the pharmacopoeia and intended application at inquiry.
Last reviewed: June 2026
Evaluation and research orders (≤10 kg) are shipped with COA, MSDS, and certificate of origin. Bulk commercial orders (>10 kg) qualify for volume pricing with a full technical documentation package available on request.
> Request a Quote
If your team already has a target application, estimated quantity, destination market, or documentation requirements, send those details so the commercial response can be prepared more efficiently.