Cetearyl

Cetearyl is a fatty alcohol derived from coconut oil. It is a mixture of fatty alcohols with varying chain lengths, primarily consisting of lauryl alcohol (C12) and myristyl alcohol (C14). Cetearyl is commonly used in the cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries as an emulsifier, thickener, and stabilizer. Its primary function is to create a stable, smooth, and creamy texture in products such as lotions, creams, and ointments. Cetearyl is also used in the production of soaps and shampoos due to its ability to form a stable foam. It is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is widely used in personal care products. Cetearyl is typically produced through the hydrogenation of coconut oil fatty acids, resulting in a mixture of fatty alcohols. The exact composition of cetearyl can vary depending on the source of coconut oil and the specific production process used.