cetostearyl alcohol
{{Chembox
| ImageFile = Fatty alcohol - generic.png
| ImageSize = 120px
| ImageCaption = n = ~14-16
| IUPACName =
| OtherNames = Cetearyl alcohol; Cetylstearyl alcohol; Cetyl/stearyl alcohol
|Section1={{Chembox Identifiers
| CASNo = 67762-27-0
| CASNo_Ref = {{cascite|correct|CAS}}
| EINECS = 267-008-6
| UNII_Ref = {{fdacite|correct|FDA}}
| UNII = 2DMT128M1S
| PubChem =
| SMILES =
| ChemSpiderID = none}}
|Section2={{Chembox Properties
| Formula = CH3(CH2)nCH2OH; n=variable, typically 14-16
| MolarMass =
| Appearance =
| Density =
| MeltingPtC = 48 to 56
| MeltingPt_ref = [http://www.sciencelab.com/msds.php?msdsId=9923362 MSDS]
| BoilingPt =
| Solubility = }}
|Section3={{Chembox Hazards
| GHSSignalWord = Warning
| GHSPictograms = {{GHS07}}
| HPhrases = {{H-phrases|315|319|413}}
| PPhrases = {{P-phrases|281|501}}
| NFPA-H = 1
| NFPA-F = 1
| NFPA-R = 0
| NFPA-S =
| ExternalSDS = [https://www.makingcosmetics.com/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-makingcosmetics-master/default/dw89799f01/msds/sds-cetearyl-alcohol.pdf makingcosmetics.com]
}}
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Cetostearyl alcohol, cetearyl alcohol or cetylstearyl alcohol is a mixture of fatty alcohols, consisting predominantly of cetyl (16 C) and stearyl alcohols (18 C) and is classified as a fatty alcohol. It is used as an emulsion stabilizer, opacifying agent, and foam boosting surfactant, as well as an aqueous and nonaqueous viscosity-increasing agent. It imparts an emollient feel to the skin and can be used in water-in-oil emulsions, oil-in-water emulsions, and anhydrous formulations. It is commonly used in hair conditioners and other hair products.{{CPID|id=863}}
5% cetyl stearyl alcohol in petrolatum is cytotoxic per the MTT assay.{{cn|date=May 2025}}