Balm Bench

Ingredient profile

Cetyl Alcohol

Overview

Cetyl alcohol is a structure and feel ingredient for the cream-and-conditioner side of the bench. It gives body, slip, and a smoother, more finished feel when the rest of the formula is built for it.

It should not be confused with alcohol that makes a formula feel sharp or fast-drying. This is a waxy fatty alcohol, and it needs heat, compatibility, and a product family that can make use of its thickening and slip.

For the Science Hippies

Cetyl alcohol is a waxy fatty alcohol, not a drying beverage alcohol. In emulsions and conditioners, it helps build body, opacity, and a smoother conditioned feel.

It belongs in heated-phase formulas with emulsifiers or conditioning systems. In a simple balm it can add waxy body, but its best use is in cream and conditioner formulas.