The function of cetearyl alcohol (C16-18 alcohol) in hair conditioners:?

Hair Conditioner Technical Formulation

Hair conditioner is a post-shampoo haircare product that functions by adsorbing onto the hair surface, forming a protective coating to smooth the cuticles and enhance overall hair appearance. A closer look at conditioner formulations reveals the presence of various surfactants. Below, Jihua Net's editor briefly introduces a sample conditioner formula for reference only.

Hair Conditioner Formula (by weight %):

• Imidazoline-type amphoteric surfactant: 5.5%

• Stearyltrimonium chloride: 1.0%

• Glyceryl stearate & PEG-100 stearate: 2.0%

• Ceteareth-20 & Cetearyl alcohol blend: 1.0%

• Hydrolyzed animal protein: 3.0%

• Stearyl alcohol: 0.5%

• Dimethicone: 0.5%

• Water (aqua): 86.5%

Manufacturing Process:

1. Dissolve the surfactants in water and heat to 60°C.

2. Heat the remaining ingredients to 75°C.

3. Under stirring, gradually add the surfactant solution to the other components.

Functional Roles of Key Ingredients:

• Lubricant | Emulsifier | Viscosity Enhancer

• This formulation is suitable for cosmetics and topical preparations.

• In topical formulations, cetearyl alcohol (C16-C18 alcohol blend) increases the viscosity of both water-in-oil (W/O) and oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions.

• It stabilizes emulsions and acts as a co-emulsifier, reducing the amount of surfactants needed for emulsion stability.

• Stearyl alcohol (C18 alcohol) provides excellent thickening properties, contributing to a smooth, glossy texture in the final product.