Cetyl Alcohol, Why we use it in hair care and skin care

Cetyl Alcohol, what it is and why do we use it.

Cetyl Alcohol Friend or Foe? Debunking the myth behind this incredible ingredient. 

This question can be answered quickly, FRIEND! Cetyl Alcohol is not a drying rubbing alcohol actually it is exactly the opposite. Let's start by investigating how Cetyl Alcohol came to be. 

History of Cetyl Alcohol

Cetyl alcohol was discovered in 1817 by the French chemist Michel Chevreul when he heated spermaceti, a waxy substance obtained from sperm whale oil, with potassium hydroxide. (This is one of the ways soap was made) After cooling, flakes of cetyl alcohol were left behind. Thus, the name cetyl derives from the whale oil from which it was first isolated. However, since sperm whales are vulnerable to becoming an endangered species, cetyl alcohol is no longer derived from sperm whale oil. Modern production of cetyl alcohol is based around the reduction of palmitic acid, which is obtained from palm oil. This is why cetyl alcohol is also referred to as palmityl alcohol. Cetyl alcohol can also be derived from the by-products of the petroleum industry. (But ours is NOT) Cetyl alcohol comes in the form of a white, waxy solid. Sorce https://thedermreview.com/  

What is Cetyl Alcohol

Cetyl Alcohol (also known as 1-Hexadecanol) is 16 carbons in length fatty alcohol derived from natural sources like palm oil or coconut oil. It is a waxy substance that appears as a white solid at room temperature is odorless or with a faint odor.. Despite its name, cetyl alcohol is not drying to the skin like typical alcohols.

As a long carbon chain alcohol, cetyl alcohol is an excellent emollient. It softens your hair and creates a lipid barrier that traps water and prevents it from evaporating. The result is hydrated and conditioned hair that’s visibly smooth.

Additional Benefits:

  • Emollient (improves the water-retaining power of absorption)
  • Moisturizer (attracts moisture to the surface of your hair or skin)
  • Emulsifier (binds oil and water together and stabalizes the mixture)
  • Carrying Agent (helps to stabalize fragrance and essential oils)
  • Detangler
  • Thickener

 We keep our ingredients easy to find and in full transparency. Cheers my friends!

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