Industrial-Grade C16-18 Alcohol: A Key Fatty Alcohol in Manufacturing
C16-18 Alcohol, also known as Cetostearyl Alcohol or Cetearyl Alcohol, is a fatty alcohol mixture derived from natural sources like coconut oil and palm oil or produced synthetically. It consists of a blend of Cetyl Alcohol (C16) and Stearyl Alcohol (C18) and is widely used in industrial, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and chemical applications.
🔹 Key Properties of C16-18 Alcohol
✅ Emollient & Thickener – Used in cosmetics and personal care products.✅ Surfactant & Emulsifier – Helps stabilize oil and water mixtures.✅ Lubricant & Anti-Foaming Agent – Applied in industrial formulations.✅ Biodegradable & Non-Toxic – Safe for environmental applications.✅ Versatile Solubility – Works in both oil- and water-based systems.
📌 Industrial Applications of C16-18 Alcohol
1️⃣ Personal Care & Cosmetics 💄
🔹 Used in lotions, creams, shampoos, and conditioners for texture and moisturization.🔹 Acts as a non-greasy thickener and stabilizer.
2️⃣ Pharmaceuticals & Ointments 💊
🔹 Found in creams, medicated lotions, and topical formulations.🔹 Used as a carrier in drug delivery systems.
3️⃣ Lubricants & Industrial Chemicals 🏭
🔹 Functions as a lubricating and anti-foaming agent in manufacturing.🔹 Used in metalworking fluids, coatings, and textile processing.
4️⃣ Plastics & Polymers 🏗️
🔹 Acts as a plasticizer in polymer formulations.🔹 Enhances flexibility and durability in plastics.
5️⃣ Detergents & Surfactants 🧴
🔹 A key component in fabric softeners, liquid detergents, and soaps.🔹 Improves foaming and cleansing properties.
🔬 Latest Innovations in C16-18 Alcohol Production (2025)
🚀 Bio-Based & Sustainable Sourcing – Reducing dependence on palm oil with alternative feedstocks.🚀 Green Chemistry Processing – Lowering energy use and waste production.🚀 Enhanced Emulsifying Properties – Improving stability in high-performance formulations.🚀 Nanotechnology Applications – Used in advanced coatings and medical emulsions.
🏭 Leading Manufacturers & Suppliers
🏢 KLK Oleo – Produces sustainable fatty alcohols.🏢 BASF – Offers high-purity C16-18 alcohol for multiple industries.🏢 Emery Oleochemicals – Specializing in bio-based fatty alcohols.🏢 Godrej Industries – Manufactures industrial-grade fatty alcohols.
🔎 Final Thoughts
Industrial-grade C16-18 Alcohol is an essential ingredient across cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, lubricants, and detergents. With the shift towards sustainability, the industry is exploring bio-based production and greener processing techniques.