Lauryl alcohol

Lauryl alcohol (CAS 112-53-8), also sold as 1-dodecanol or n-dodecyl alcohol, is a fatty alcohol derived from natural or synthetic sources used across personal care, food, and industrial formulations. It functions primarily as an emulsifier, emollient, and surfactant intermediate, giving formulators a mid-chain fatty alcohol with broad compatibility across oil and water systems.

In personal care, it serves as a base material for ethoxylated surfactants and is incorporated directly into creams, lotions, and hair conditioners to improve texture and moisture retention. Flavor manufacturers reference it under FEMA 2617 as a fatty note contributor in food-grade flavor systems. In coatings and adhesive formulations, it acts as a wetting agent.

It serves as a surface modifier to improve substrate adhesion and film uniformity. Industrial producers also use it as a chemical intermediate for the synthesis of lauryl sulfate surfactants. Lauryl alcohol is supplied as a white waxy solid or low-melting flake at ambient temperature, typically transitioning to a clear liquid above its melting point for easier handling.

Standard commercial grades include technical, cosmetic, and food-grade specifications, with purity levels commonly at 98% or higher to meet strict industrial requirements. Buyers sourcing for food or flavor applications should confirm compliance with relevant regional food additive standards and FCC quality benchmarks for safety and performance.