
General Description:
Octyldodecanol is a clear, odorless, and oily liquid alcohol derived from natural fatty acids, typically sourced from vegetable oils. It is a high-purity, non-volatile emollient commonly used in cosmetic and personal care formulations due to its smooth texture and excellent skin compatibility. Known for its ability to improve the spreadability and feel of products, Octyldodecanol is suitable for a wide range of applications and is available for bulk and wholesale supply to cosmetic manufacturers focusing on high-performance, skin-friendly formulations.
Uses in the Cosmetics Industry:
Octyldodecanol serves as a multifunctional ingredient in many beauty and personal care products. Common uses include:
Emollient in creams, lotions, and serums to provide a soft, smooth, non-greasy skin feel.
Solubilizer for active ingredients, especially in fragrance and sunscreen formulations.Stabilizer and texture enhancer in lipsticks, foundations, and makeup removers.
Ingredient in hair conditioners and styling products to boost shine and manageability.
Its compatibility with a wide variety of ingredients and its moisturizing properties make it a popular choice for formulations targeting dry or sensitive skin.
Side Effects & Hazards:
Octyldodecanol is considered safe for use in cosmetics and is well-tolerated by most skin types. It has low toxicity, is non-sensitizing, and rarely causes irritation, making it suitable even for sensitive skin formulations. However, in rare cases or with excessive use, it may cause mild irritation, particularly if combined with other sensitizing agents. It should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, and tightly sealed to prevent degradation. Standard manufacturing precautions, such as the use of gloves and protective eyewear, are recommended during handling in industrial settings to maintain hygiene and safety.
CAS Number: 5333-42-6
INCI Name: Octyldodecanol
Composition: Branched long-chain fatty alcohol (C20 alcohol), primarily 2-octyldodecanolPurity Grade: Cosmetic/Pharmaceutical Grade
Appearance: Clear, colorless to slightly yellow, oily liquid
Solubility: Insoluble in water; soluble in oils, esters, and many organic solvents
Preservation: Generally does not require preservatives due to low water activity and good oxidative stability
Storage: Store in a cool, dry place in tightly sealed containers; protect from light and air to avoid oxidation
Raw Material Sources: Derived from petrochemical feedstocks or plant-based fatty alcohols (e.g., coconut or palm oil, depending on supplier)
Manufacture: Produced via chemical synthesis (Ziegler or oxo process) or hydrogenation of plant-based fatty acids/alcohols
Animal Testing: Varies by supplier; many cosmetic-grade sources are cruelty-free, but confirm with manufacturer
GMO: Not derived from genetically modified organisms (when plant-derived, non-GMO sources typically used)
Vegan: Yes; synthetic or plant-derived with no animal-based ingredients
Proposition: Generally compliant with Proposition 65; considered safe, though formulation-specific review is recommended
Warning: Low hazard; may cause mild skin or eye irritation in raw form; avoid ingestion and prolonged skin contact with undiluted material
THE STORY OF OCTYLDODECANOL
Octyldodecanol: The Luxurious Emollient for Silky, Smooth & High-Performance Formulations
Octyldodecanol is a high-purity, medium-viscosity fatty alcohol known for its excellent emollient, spreading, and skin-conditioning properties.
It provides a silky, non-greasy, luxurious feel and is widely used in skincare, haircare, sunscreens, makeup, and fragrance systems.
Ideal for enhancing texture, glide, stability, and solubility in premium cosmetic formulations.
Hydrogenated Long-Chain Fatty Alcohol Developed for Cosmetic Purity & Performance
Octyldodecanol is produced via:
• Hydrogenation of long-chain fatty acid esters
• Fractionation and purification
• Quality filtration for cosmetic and pharma applications
The result is a clear, stable, odorless, multifunctional emollient with excellent compatibility in emulsions, oils, and surfactant systems.
TRCkem supplies cosmetic- and pharmaceutical-grade Octyldodecanol for high-end formulations.
Soften. Smooth. Enhance.
Octyldodecanol provides several formulation advantages:
✅ Enhances texture, silkiness & spreadability
✅ Acts as an effective pigment wetting agent in color cosmetics
✅ Improves solubility of UV filters in sunscreens
✅ Enhances softness and conditioning in hair products
✓ Boosts viscosity stability in emulsions
Used in: lipsticks, lip balms, sunscreens, creams, lotions, foundations, makeup removers & hair serums.
Highly Stable, Non-Irritating & Versatile Across Skincare & Makeup Systems
• Typical use level: 1–20% depending on the application
• Add to oil phase of emulsions
• Works at any point in formulation (heat-stable)
• Non-comedogenic & safe for sensitive skin
• Compatible with esters, oils, silicones, UV filters & waxes
• Store in tightly sealed containers at room temperature
• Excellent oxidative & formulation stability
Formulator’s Queries, We Answered
1. What is Octyldodecanol?
Octyldodecanol is a clear, odorless, and non-greasy fatty alcohol derived from natural fatty acids. It is commonly used in personal care and cosmetic formulations as an emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer.
2. What is the INCI name and CAS number of Octyldodecanol?
CAS Number: 5333-42-6
INCI Name: Octyldodecanol
3. What are the key benefits of using Octyldodecanol in personal care formulations?
Octyldodecanol provides several performance and sensory benefits, including:
Improves product spreadability and skin feel
Acts as a non-greasy emollient that softens the skin
Enhances the solubility and stability of active ingredients
Reduces tackiness in formulations
Contributes to long-lasting moisture retention
4. What types of products typically include Octyldodecanol?
Octyldodecanol is versatile and used in:
Creams and lotions
Lipsticks and lip balms
Sunscreens and after-sun care products
Foundations and BB creams
Hair conditioners and styling products
Deodorants and roll-ons
5. Is Octyldodecanol suitable for sensitive or acne-prone skin?
Yes, Octyldodecanol is considered non-comedogenic and is typically well-tolerated on sensitive and acne-prone skin. However, as with any cosmetic ingredient, patch testing is advised.
6. Is Octyldodecanol a natural or synthetic ingredient?
Octyldodecanol is a synthetically produced fatty alcohol, often derived from natural vegetable oils, making it suitable for formulations that bridge performance with a natural origin.
7. What is the recommended usage level of Octyldodecanol in formulations?
Usage levels vary depending on the application, but typical concentrations range from 1% to 10%, with higher levels used in lipsticks and emollient-rich products.
8. Is Octyldodecanol compliant with cosmetic regulations globally?
Yes, Octyldodecanol is widely approved for use in cosmetics and personal care products and is compliant with EU, US FDA, and Asian cosmetic regulations when used within recommended limits.