Cetyl Esters Wax, RSPO
Ingredients/Tech Specs:
CTFA Name: Cetyl Esters
INCI Name: Cetyl Esters
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: USA
Packaging: Boxes, biodegradable bags
Description: White to off white solid wax at room temperature; little to no odor
Applications: Skincare, Soap Manufacturing, Hair Care
Benefits: emulsifier, viscosity builder, stabilizer, glossy appearance in skincare, film former
RSPO Certification: 9-5702-24-000-00
Suggested levels of use: 3-10%
- Light slip- 1-3%
- Silkiness with improved glide-3-6%
- Powdery finish with noticeable smooth glide- 6-10%
Cetyl Esters are naturally derived ester made of fatty acids and saturated fatty alcohols. They work as a thickener that is hard when cool and soften when applied to skin. This helps to create a softening, soothing lotion/cream with excellent skin-feel and a creamy texture.
When should cetyl esters be used?
Cetyl Esters can be used in skincare and hair care applications, both to increase viscosity and as an emollient, but really gives your product a luxurious feel when applied. Think creamy smooth eye creams, lip treatments, foot cream, etc.
The fatty acids in cetyl ester wax really help to enhance moisture retention on the skin, and work to sooth and hydrate dry skin and hair. This boosts your naturally hydrating actives, such as hyaluronic acid, organic broccoli seed oil, olive oil eco silicone, lauryl laurate and olive oil squalane.
Stabilizer- natural emulsifier, stabilizing oil and water emulsions
Thickener- can be used to increase viscosity
Skin Conditioner- increases skin hydration
Emollient- creates a smooth, soft feel in lotions and creams
Why Cetyl Esters?
Cetyl Esters do more than just increase viscosity- they also hydrate and help to enhance healing in skin. Since cetyl esters are made of fatty acids they contribute those healing affects and increased glide and skin-feel to products. This makes it a great alternative to beeswax.
What products can I make using cetyl esters wax?
Cetyl esters wax can be used in products like deodorants and facial sticks to create a firm texture, but also the silky, softening feel on the skin. Similar to what adding tapioca starch can do in body butters. The finished product will not be greasy or tacky on the skin.
Cetyl esters can also be used in lip balms to create good glide; hair pomades for that malleable, spreadable texture while also being highly moisturizing; emulsified creams to enhance skin-feel.
What is the difference between cetyl esters wax, cetyl alcohol and cetearyl alcohol?
All the alcohols and cetyls can get confusing. Here is a simple comparison:
- Cetyl Esters Wax-improves slip and skin-feel; use in products where you want good glide and creaminess; use when you want luxurious, lightweight feel with high moisture delivery; not an emulsifier
- Cetyl Alcohol-fatty alcohol (think moisture) that functions as a thickener; adds smoothness and glide but not as much as lauryl laurate or cetyl esters wax; use in non-heavy emulsified products
- Cetearyl Alcohol– a blended product; creates thicker, creamier products, directly affects viscosity stability; functions as an emulsifier; use in thicker, richer, creamier emulsified products
Is cetyl esters wax an emulsifier?
No, Cetyl Esters Wax are not an emulsifier so you will have to use something else to fully emulsify your product.
How to use cetyl esters wax in my formula?
You will add melted cetyl esters wax into the oil phase of your formula.
You can melt with the other oils and butters.
Heat to 158-167°F to fully melt then mix fully before adding to other phases.
Cetyl Esters are sold in 1/2-pound bio-degradable bags, 1-pound bio-degradable bags, 5-pound bio-degradable bags, 25-pound bags, and 55-pound sizes. Please email us directly for orders over 550 pounds.
Short Term Storage: Air tight container. Dark location. Cool room temperature.
Long Term Storage: Removing air from storage container will delay oxidation and rancidity (may need to place in a smaller container). Refrigeration can extend shelf life.
Shelf Life in Packaging: See lot specific C of A for expiration date.



