What Is the Difference Between Stearyl & Cetyl Alcohol in Conditioners?

The alcohols in hair products often have softening properties.

Stearyl and cetyl alcohol are fatty alcohols commonly used as ingredients in hair conditioners. Though derived from different sources, they have similar chemical compositions and are frequently used together.

Stearyl Alcohol

Stearyl alcohol is derived most frequently from stearic acid, or animal fat, although it can also be derived from cocoa or shea butters. Its emollient, or softening, properties make it a good ingredient for many beauty products such as hair conditioners and skin treatments.

Cetyl Alcohol

Cetyl alcohol is most commonly derived from vegetable oils such as palm oil or coconut oil. In beauty products, it is used as an emollient, lubricant or surfactant, an agent that allows for easier spreading of a liquid, such as a lotion.

Cetearyl Alcohol

Together, cetyl and stearyl alcohols form most of the basis of cetearyl (also known as cetostearyl) alcohol, which is often the ingredient listed on a product label. Cetearyl alcohol also helps keep the liquids and the oils in products, such as hair conditioners, from separating.

Beauty Preparations

Cetearyl alcohol is a common ingredient in beauty products because its emollient properties create a softening effect on the hair or skin, which can be stripped of its natural oils during regular washing.

Are They Safe?

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review, a panel of experts that "reviews and assesses the safety of ingredients used in cosmetics," has determined that cetyl and stearyl alcohols are safe when used as directed.

Beauty at Home

These fatty alcohols need not be incorporated if you choose to make your own beauty treatments at home, but it is possible to purchase them.

References

• Encyclopedia Britannica
• Cosmetic Ingredient Review: Findings
• Science Toys: Ingredients

Resources

• CosmeticsInfo.org: Cetearyl Alcohol