Common Name(s): Fatty alcohol,co-emulsifier cream thickener,emollient sc compatible
CAS Number: N/a
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Builds cream viscosity through lamellar gel network with nonionic emulsifiers, provides co-emulsification, and conditions skin from the sc lipid-compatible alkyl chain.
Why It's Used: Essential in o/w cream formulation โ the lamellar gel network of fatty alcohol + peg emulsifier provides the thick, stable cream texture and emulsion stability that oils alone cannot deliver.
How It Works: Above processing temperature (~60ยฐc), fatty alcohol + peg surfactant form mixed lamellar phases that crystallise on cooling into ฮฑ-gel or ฮฒ-gel structures โ the interconnected lamellar network provides both cream viscosity and mechanical emulsion stability simultaneously.
Typically Found In: Creams,lotions,o/w emulsions
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Functional ingredient โ emollient
Secondary Functions: Barrier sealing,softening
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 1%โ15%
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Yes - standard ethanol routes are non-animal; confirm denaturant origin
Halal Status: Conditional - ethanol production route and residual concentration; jurisdiction-dependent, refer to certifier stance
Source Notes: Plant-derived, synthetic or animal-derived. verify source. [audit 2026-07-29 rev2: ethanol pathway; determination depends on route, on whether the plant also produces beverage alcohol, and on residual concentration. determination requires shariah-panel sign-off.]
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 1/5 โ very low
Comedogenicity Rating: 1/5 โ low; formulation-dependent
Sensitivity Concerns: Non-irritating.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Excellent safety profile. ewg score: 1.
Works Well With: Humectants,ceramides,actives as carrier
Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Fatty alcohol chain length determines gel properties: c16 (cetyl, tm 49ยฐc) โ flexible ฮฑ-gel; c18 (stearyl, tm 59ยฐc) โ rigid ฮฒ-gel; c16/c18 blend (cetearyl) โ intermediate. gel stiffness increases with chain length โ formulators select based on desired cream consistency.
Last Verified: 2026-03-12
Primary Sources: Cosing database,brassica alcohol fatty alcohol lamellar gel review