Isocetyl alcohol

Isocetyl alcohol (CAS 36311-34-9) is a branched-chain fatty alcohol with the molecular formula C16H34O, commercially available under trade names including FO 1600, FOC 1600, Ceraphyl ICA, and Isohexadecanol. It belongs to the alcohols and glycols category and carries no assigned E-code.

In personal care formulations, isocetyl alcohol functions as an emollient and emulsifier, helping to stabilize oil-in-water systems while reducing the greasy feel of heavier lipid phases. It also serves as a solvent and carrier for active ingredients in pharmaceutical topical preparations, improving spreadability and skin penetration without disrupting the formulation matrix.

Isocetyl alcohol is supplied in compliance with REACH regulations and is suitable for use in cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications governed by EU Cosmetics Regulation and relevant pharmacopoeial standards. It is typically available in liquid form and supplied in standard industrial drum and IBC packaging formats.