Oleyl alcohol

Oleyl alcohol (CAS 143-28-2), also supplied under trade designations such as Witcohol 85 and Witcohol 90, is a long-chain fatty alcohol derived from oleic acid. It functions primarily as an emollient, emulsifier, carrier solvent, and surface-active agent across personal care and industrial manufacturing.

In cosmetics and personal care, it conditions skin and hair in creams, lotions, and conditioning rinses by reducing moisture loss and improving spreadability. Textile processors use it as a softening and lubricating agent during fiber finishing.

This chemical improves handle and reduces friction in yarn and fabric production. In printing inks and coatings, it acts as a solvent carrier and wetting agent that aids pigment dispersion and controls viscosity for better application.

Leather treatment formulations rely on it to penetrate and soften hides, improving flexibility and surface uniformity. Oleyl alcohol is supplied as a pale yellow to amber liquid, suitable for various industrial and commercial processes.

Standard commercial grades include technical grade for industrial applications and cosmetic or high-purity grades meeting specifications relevant to personal care manufacturing. These grades ensure consistency across different production batches.

Typical purity specifications range from approximately 85% to 90%+ oleyl alcohol content, reflecting the Witcohol-grade designations commonly referenced in procurement. This high level of purity is essential for sensitive chemical formulations.