Cetearyl palmitate

Cetearyl palmitate (CAS 93820-81-6), also sold under the descriptor hexadecanoic acid C16-18-alkyl esters, is a synthetic wax ester derived from palmitic acid and cetearyl alcohol.

It functions as an emollient, emulsifier, and consistency agent across personal care and industrial formulations. In skin and body care, it builds creamy texture in lotions, creams, and lip products.

This material improves skin feel and moisture retention. Hair conditioning formulations use it to add slip and coat the hair shaft, reducing friction in rinse-off and leave-in products.

In coatings and sealants, it acts as a rheology modifier and processing aid. It is effective at controlling viscosity and improving film formation during the application process.

Lubricant and metalworking compound manufacturers incorporate it as a base component. It is ideal where a solid wax ester with controlled melt behavior is required for industrial use.

The product is supplied as a white to off-white waxy solid, typically in flake or pellet form for ease of handling. Food-grade and cosmetic-grade specifications are available for purchase.

Cosmetic material commonly meets INCI-referenced purity standards suitable for leave-on and rinse-off product registration. Technical grade is also offered for industrial coating and lubricant applications.

This grade is used where cosmetic compliance is not required. The material provides consistent performance across a wide range of temperature and pressure conditions in manufacturing.