On many cosmetics labels you can see an ingredient such as cetyl alcohol. Most often it is used instead of a stabilizer for various emulsions and thickeners. This is due to the fact that this substance contributes to an increase in viscosity and improves the structure of cosmetics, regardless of its pH level. We will tell you more about this wonderful substance, which many hostesses love to use in home cosmetics, below.
Meet cosmetic alcohol
Cetyl, or palmitic, alcohol refers to monohydric chemicals. It was he who became one of the first fatty alcohols used in the cosmetic industry. For the first time, cetyl alcohol was discovered by the French chemist Eugene Chevrel in 1823 while studying the fibrous sac of a sperm whale. For the same reason, the very name of alcohol is translated from Greek as "whale".
And if initially for the sake of extracting this substancesperm whales were caught, then much later they learned to synthesize it artificially. One of these methods of extracting alcohol was the process of partial oxidation of paraffins. Another well-known method for obtaining C16H33OH is the long-term hydrogenation of palmitic acid.
Cetyl Alcohol Applications
After the C16H33OH alcohol was studied in more detail, representatives of the cosmetic industry became interested in it. Later, it was used in the manufacture of a variety of ointments (for example, anti-burn), lubricants, medicines, surfactants, soaps, solvents and plasticizers.
In addition, cetyl alcohol is used as an excellent thickener for shampoos, balms and hair conditioners. As a co-emulsifier, it is used in the production of depilatory products for women, antiperspirants, cosmetic creams and all kinds of masks.
Due to its antiseptic properties, C16H33OH is often used in cleansing lotions and other body and skin products. It lathers well and improves the stability of the foam in similar cosmetic products.
General description of the substance
Alcohol C16H33OH of this type is not in a liquid, but in a solid state. Visually, it resembles hardened white fat, wax or paraffin, which has no taste and smell. It does not dissolve in water, but melts easily and hardens relatively quickly with some loss of its original shape. Able to be stored and not lose its qualities under absolutely any conditions.
Melting and boiling point of alcohol
Cetyl alcohol, like almost any solid, can be made soft. However, this is not so easy to do, since the melting point of this chemical element is 54.6 ° C. Notably, C16H33OH can be brought to a boil. That's just it needs to be heated even more, at least up to 270, and even up to 344, 0 ° C.
What benefits does alcohol have?
Palmitic alcohol has a number of useful qualities that are simply irreplaceable in the production of pharmacological, chemical and cosmetic products. For example, this alcohol is natural, because it has a natural origin and is created from plant material.
The second important point: cetyl alcohol (in cosmetics it is used to combine several components in creams, lotions and other liquid substances) is an excellent viscosity regulator or stabilizer and a good thickener. For example, if it is not added, then sooner or later this or that cosmetic product will lose its original qualities and fall apart into components. But meanwhile, alcohol does not make creams too thick, on the contrary, they turn out to be of a normal consistency.
It is alcohol, which is part of many creams, that gives them such a thick structure that easily hardens in the cold, does not spread and is quickly absorbed. When used in a cosmetic series for the head, C16H33OH helps to improve the appearance of hair, greatly facilitates the process of hair removal.combing.
Can I buy alcohol separately?
Fans of making homemade cosmetics often purchase different ingredients separately. Cetyl, or palmitic, alcohol can also be bought. It is sold, as a rule, in small packages from 50 to 1000 grams in the form of solid granules. Less commonly found on sale by weight.
What are the benefits of cetyl alcohol?
Cetyl is a fatty alcohol with a number of advantages. For example, it does not cause allergies, therefore, cosmetics with C16H33OH can be used by people with even the most sensitive skin. It is well absorbed and penetrates deep into the surface of the epidermis, providing it with beneficial nutrients. In addition, alcohol seems to envelop your skin with a thin protective film that is not visible to the naked eye. This is a kind of barrier that helps protect your body from harmful ultraviolet rays.
Among other things, this chemical element perfectly disinfects the damaged surface of the skin, acting as a weak antiseptic. For example, with its help, small wounds, scratches and cuts heal much faster.
Are there any downsides to alcohol?
There is an opinion that alcohol dries out the skin. Therefore, many ladies prefer not to buy cosmetics, which include, for example, cetyl alcohol. Harm, in their opinion, it brings not only the skin, but also the sebaceous glands, which narrows and clogs. However, this opinion is erroneous, since this substance does not have similar side effects.properties. On the contrary, it helps to shrink pores and is suitable for almost all skin types.
In addition, it is C16H33OH that perfectly moisturizes the epidermis, retains the necessary moisture in it and makes it elastic, velvety to the touch.
Based on a recent study of cetyl alcohol by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Group, this type of substance is completely safe. It does not show toxicity, does not enter into oxidation reactions, therefore it can be used as one of the ingredients of factory-made and home-made cosmetics.
Are there any contraindications to the use of cetyl alcohol?
Despite the large list of positive qualities, the use of cetyl alcohol has some contraindications. In particular, it should not be used by those people who have an individual intolerance to the constituent components of alcohol.
