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Cetearyl Alcohol is a "familiar" ingredient in products such as lotions, shampoos, and conditioners. This substance brings more benefits to the skin and hair than the possible risks. However, many people wonder what is Cetearyl Alcohol? How are they used in beauty?1. What is Cetearyl alcohol?
Cetearyl alcohol is a chemical found in cosmetic products. This is a white, waxy substance made from cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol. Both alcohols belong to the fatty alcohol group, found in animals and plants such as coconut and palm oil.
Fatty alcohols are also known as long chain alcohols because of their chemical formula. They usually have an even number of carbons with a single alcohol group (–OH) attached to the final carbon. Cetyl alcohol has 16 carbon atoms. Stearyl alcohol has 18. Cetearyl alcohol is a combination of the two so it has 34 carbons. Its molecular formula is C34H72O2.
Fatty alcohol group is used in skin and hair care products such as lotions, hair care products,...
2. How is Cetearyl Alcohol used in beauty?
Cetyl alcohol helps prevent cream from separating into oils and liquids thanks to its emulsifying ingredient. This ingredient makes the product thicker or increases its foaming ability. Some products contain Cetearyl Alcohol such as: lotion, moisturizer, sunscreen, shampoo, hair removal cream, anti-frizz cream, hair dye, mascara...
You can find the name cetearyl alcohol in the ingredients list of the above products. But sometimes cetearyl alcohol also appears under other names such as:
Alkyl alcohol (C16-C18) Alcohol (C1618) Cetostearyl alcohol Cetyl alcohol / stearyl 1-octadecanol, mixed with 1-hexadecanol Cetearyl alcohol is not the only fatty alcohol Most commonly used in cosmetic products. Some other fatty alcohols such as: cetyl alcohol, lanolin, oleyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol.
Trong kem chống nắng có chứa thành phần Cetearyl Alcohol
3. Is Cetearyl Alcohol safe?
There is a lot of information that advises you to stay away from skin and hair care products that contain alcohol. Because ethanol or rubbing alcohol is very quick to dry. When this alcohol-based product is used on the skin and hair, it can lead to itchy, flaky skin. In fact, the alcohol found in products like hand sanitizer helps remove stubborn grease stains quickly.
However, fatty alcohols like cetearyl alcohol are not as harmful to the skin as other alcohols due to their chemical structure. Specifically, the chemical composition of alcohol cetearyl alcohol group (-OH) is attached to a very long hydrocarbon (fat) chain. This feature allows the fatty alcohols to hold water and provide a soothing sensation to the skin. Chemicals make the skin smoother and softer. To do this, fatty alcohols in general and cetearyl alcohol form an oily layer on top of the skin to trap moisture deep within.
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel has concluded that fatty alcohols are safe for inclusion in cosmetic products. In clinical studies, cetearyl alcohol showed no significant toxicity and was not mutagenic. A mutagen is a chemical agent that changes DNA. Changes in DNA can cause certain diseases such as cancer.
Cetearyl Alcohol also does not cause skin irritation. According to FDATrusted Source, even cosmetic products labeled "alcohol-free" are allowed to contain cetearyl alcohol and other fatty alcohols. Cetearyl alcohol is also included in the FDA's list of safe and approved food additives.
As with many skin care products, Cetearyl Alcohol also carries a small risk of an allergic reaction. A 2007 study confirmed 5 cases of allergy to cetearyl alcohol, but reactions to other chemical allergens also occurred in all of these cases.
If you have sensitive skin or other allergies, you should do a thorough check to make sure this alcohol-containing product is allowed. Tell your doctor if you experience burning, blistering, swelling, stinging, redness, or skin irritation that persists and shows no signs of improvement.
In a nutshell, Cetearyl alcohol is used to help soften skin and hair. It is also used as a thickener and stabilizer in cosmetics such as lotions and hair products. This ingredient is believed to be benign and safe. However, those with sensitive skin should avoid products containing cetearyl alcohol.
Understanding the role of Cetearyl Alcohol in cosmetics will help you make informed choices in the appropriate and safe use of beauty cosmetics.
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Reference source: healthline.com
