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My Reward PointsThe misconception that cetyl alcohol, like rubbing alcohol, has drying effects on the skin is popular; however, cetyl alcohol is skin-friendly and offers moisturizing, nourishing, and softening characteristics that are good for both skin and hair. It is also known as Palmityl Alcohol since it is alcohol generated from fat, such as vegetable oil like Coconut Oil or Palm Oil.
Cetyl Alcohol, which is distinct from ethyl alcohol, the primary component of alcoholic beverages, gets its name from the Latin word Cetus, which means "whale oil," as this is the substance that it was first made from.
What Is Cetyl Alcohol?
Cetyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol used in various cosmetic and skincare products as an emollient, emulsifier, thickener, and surfactant. Alcohols that combine fatty acids or oils with alcohols are known as fatty alcohols.
It enhances product texture while assisting in skin protection against allergies, germs, and moisture loss. It has a solid texture that resembles wax used in lotions and creams to consolidate and bind their constituents to prevent them from separating into an oil or liquid.
Cetyl Alcohol Uses & Benefits
These stabilizing characteristics of cetyl alcohol ensure that the oils and water remain mixed, fostering a perfect, smooth texture that finally offers the final product an easy glide on the skin. Read on to learn the benefits and uses of cetyl alcohol in various products:
Cetyl Alcohol In Cosmetics - Cetyl alcohol is primarily used to enhance the textures and composition of cosmetics and increase their sensory appeal. Although it is not a crucial component of a product, it is necessary to guarantee that the product doesn't separate or clump so that the essential ingredients can be applied to the skin evenly. Additionally, it is also used to thicken the formulas accordingly.
Cetyl Alcohol Acne - Cetyl alcohol also acts as a surfactant. It aids in emulsifying, degreasing, and suspending fats, oils, and grime so they can be washed away. This is excellent in lifting impurities away from the skin so they can be cleaned. As a result, it draws out pollutants like oil, grime, and other contaminants accumulated on your skin which are the main cause of acne.
Cetyl Alcohol In lipstick - Cetyl alcohol can soften and smoothen the lip's flakiness since it is an emollient that helps cure rough, chapped skin. Emollients are occlusive agents, which means they offer a barrier of defense that aids in halting skin water loss. Additionally, cetyl alcohol is primarily used to enhance the lipstick's texture since it has a thickening effect and maintains viscosity.
Cetyl Alcohol In Skin Care Products - Cetyl alcohol, an emollient, can soften and calm the skin when applied topically. This ingredient's fatty acids form a barrier on the skin that effectively locks in moisture. Cetyl alcohol can be found in skin care products such as creams, lotions, and ointments to treat dry, flaky skin. Emollients assist in preserving the skin's natural barrier, which is essential to skin health.
Is Cetyl Alcohol Safe?
According to the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel of the US Food and Drug Administration, the ingredients used in cetyl alcohol are non-sensitizing, nontoxic, and safe to use in cosmetic products. And not only is it completely safe and chemical-free for use on the skin and hair, but it also doesn't dry or irritates like other types of alcohol.
The FDA allows the use of Cetearyl alcohol as a component with the claim of being "alcohol-free" because of its chemical composition. Hence, cetyl alcohol is safe to use in your skincare products and homemade recipes. Make sure not to use it near your eyes.
Conclusion
Cetyl alcohol functions similarly to petroleum as an occlusive ingredient in skin care products, emulsifiers, and thickeners. It's excellent in preventing water loss and drying out of the skin's protective barrier while offering hydration. All that matters is to get the highest quality cetyl alcohol, as subpar products cause more damage than the wrong one. Visit VedaOils.com to get premium quality cetyl alcohol for your skin. At the most reasonable pricing in the market.
