Cetearyl alcohol is a mixture of fatty alcohols, primarily cetyl and stearyl alcohol, and is widely used in the cosmetic and personal care industry. It is typically derived from natural or synthetic sources. Here are some common industrial sources for cetearyl alcohol:
1. Natural Oils and Fats:
- Palm Oil: One of the most common sources due to its high yield and cost-effectiveness. Palm oil is processed to extract fatty acids, which are then converted into fatty alcohols.
- Coconut Oil: Similar to palm oil, coconut oil is another plant-based source that undergoes chemical processing to yield fatty alcohols.
- Rapeseed Oil: This oil can be used as a source for the production of fatty alcohols, although it is less common than palm and coconut oil.
2. Petrochemical Sources:
- Fatty alcohols can also be synthesized from petrochemical feedstocks. Ethylene, derived from crude oil, is oligomerized and hydrogenated to produce synthetic fatty alcohols. However, due to sustainability concerns, there is a growing preference for plant-based sources.
3. Animal Fats:
- Historically, animal fats were used to produce fatty alcohols, but this is less common today due to ethical and sustainability considerations.
In manufacturing, these sources undergo a process that includes hydrogenation of fatty acids or esters to produce fatty alcohols like cetearyl alcohol. The choice of source often depends on factors such as cost, availability, and consumer preferences for natural or synthetic ingredients.
Background Reading
Here are some references that provide more information on cetearyl alcohol, its sources, and its use in industrial applications:
- Cetearyl Alcohol Overview:
Healthline: What Is Cetearyl Alcohol? - Natural Sources and Production:
The Good Face Project: Cetearyl Alcohol - Petrochemical and Natural Sourcing:
SpecialChem: Fatty Alcohols from Petrochemical and Oleochemical Sources - Sustainability and Production:
Palm Oil Investigation: Understanding Fatty Alcohols - Cosmetic Ingredient Review:
Cosmetics Info: Cetearyl Alcohol
These resources offer insights into the industrial production, uses, and sourcing of cetearyl alcohol in consumer products.
Usage of animal source in todays market
While the use of animal fats as a source for fatty alcohols is less common today, there are still some products and industries where animal-derived ingredients are used. Here are a few examples:
Soaps and Traditional Detergents:
- Some traditional soaps, especially those marketed as “tallow soap” or “sodium tallowate,” use animal fats as a base ingredient. Tallow is rendered animal fat, commonly from cattle or sheep, and has historically been used in soap making.
Candles:
- Tallow candles, although less common today, were historically made from animal fats. Some specialty or traditional candle makers still produce them for niche markets.
Stearic Acid Products:
- Stearic acid, a fatty acid often derived from animal fats, is used in various products, including cosmetics, rubber, and plastics. While many manufacturers now use plant-based stearic acid, some may still use animal sources.
Leather Conditioning Products:
- Some leather conditioners and polishes may contain ingredients derived from animal fats, as they are effective in maintaining the suppleness and durability of leather.
Traditional Cooking Oils:
- Certain traditional cooking oils, like lard (rendered pig fat) or suet (rendered beef fat), are still used in culinary applications and may find use in small-scale or artisanal products.
It’s important to note that the trend in the industry is moving toward plant-based and synthetic alternatives due to consumer demand for vegan and cruelty-free products. As such, products explicitly stating they use animal fats are less common, and many companies opt for more sustainable and ethical sourcing. If you’re looking for specific products, checking labels for terms like “tallow,” “lard,” or “animal-derived” can help identify them.
Some alternate names:
Cetearyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol commonly used in cosmetics and personal care products as an emollient, emulsifier, and thickening agent. Here are some synonyms or alternative names for cetearyl alcohol you might find in ingredient lists:
- Cetostearyl Alcohol
- Cetyl/Stearyl Alcohol
- C16-18 Alcohols
- Ceteareth-20 (when ethoxylated)
- Ceteareth-30 (when ethoxylated)
- Stearyl/Cetyl Alcohol
These terms might be used interchangeably in ingredient lists, so it’s helpful to recognize them when checking product labels.
Industrial Process for Animal Based Cetearyl Alcohol
The production of fatty alcohols like cetearyl alcohol from fatty acids or esters involves a process called hydrogenation. This chemical process typically occurs in several steps and utilizes specific catalysts to facilitate the reaction. Here’s a brief overview of how this process takes place:
Steps in the Hydrogenation Process
Source Material:
- Fatty Acids or Esters: The process begins with natural oils, such as palm or coconut oil, which are first converted into fatty acids or their methyl esters. These acids or esters contain long-chain hydrocarbons that are ideal for conversion into fatty alcohols.
Hydrogenation:
- Catalyst and Reactor: The fatty acids or esters are introduced into a hydrogenation reactor. The reactor contains a metal catalyst, typically made from nickel, copper, or a combination of other metals, which facilitates the chemical reaction.
- Hydrogen Gas: Hydrogen gas is then introduced into the reactor under high pressure and moderate to high temperatures (typically between 150°C to 300°C or 302°F to 572°F).
- Reaction: In the presence of the catalyst, hydrogen atoms bond with the carbon atoms in the fatty acids or esters. This reaction converts the double bonds in the hydrocarbon chains to single bonds, effectively reducing the acid or ester to an alcohol.
Separation and Purification:
- Removal of Catalyst: After hydrogenation, the catalyst is removed from the mixture, often through filtration or centrifugation.
- Purification: The resultant fatty alcohols are then purified to remove any impurities or unreacted starting materials. This can be achieved through distillation or other purification techniques.
Blending:
- Mixing Fatty Alcohols: Cetearyl alcohol is specifically a mixture of cetyl alcohol (C16) and stearyl alcohol (C18). The proportion of these alcohols can be adjusted to meet the desired specifications for various applications.
Considerations
- Sustainability: While petrochemical processes exist, there is a growing preference for using plant-based sources for sustainability reasons.
- Efficiency: The use of catalysts in the hydrogenation process significantly enhances the efficiency and speed of the reaction, making it a cost-effective method for producing fatty alcohols.
- Applications: Cetearyl alcohol is widely used in the cosmetics industry as an emulsifier, stabilizer, and emollient, contributing to the texture and stability of lotions, creams, and other products.
This hydrogenation process is crucial for converting fatty acids and esters into usable fatty alcohols in various consumer and industrial products. For further details, you can refer to these resources:
Resolution :
While there are multiple non-animal based sources for manufacturing Cetearyl Alcohol, there is still market use of animal based source for preparation of Cetearyl Alcohol. At this time, while we will continue to research in the technicalities of the manufactuing process, we will mark Cetearyl Alcohol as Mashbooh.
Wallahu A’lam
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