Cetearyl Alcohol: the secret to a rich, stable cream
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The word 'alcohol' throws people, so let's clear it up first: cetearyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol, derived from oils. It's the opposite of the drying alcohol you're picturing — it's rich, waxy and skin-softening.
What it does
It's a thickener and co-emulsifier. On its own it won't bind oil and water, but added to a lotion or cream it gives that gorgeous rich, cushiony body, helps stabilise the emulsion, and stops thin lotions feeling watery. It's the difference between a runny lotion and a proper, luxurious cream.
How to use it
- Around 2 to 5% of a lotion or cream
- Add it to your oil phase and melt it in
- Pair it with a proper emulsifier (like glyceryl stearate or SSL) to actually bind oil and water
Remember: any cream or lotion contains water, so it also needs a proper preservative to keep it safe.
Steph x