Cetyl alcohol also known as hexadecan-1-ol and palmityl alcohol. At room temperature, cetyl alcohol takes the form of a waxy white solid or flakes. The name cetyl derives from the whale oil from which it was first isolated Cetyl alcohol is used in the cosmetic industry as an opacifier in shampoos, or as an emollient, emulsifier or thickening agent in the manufacture of skin creams and lotions.[4] It is also employed as a lubricant for nuts and bolts, and is the active ingredient in some Liquid pool covers (forming a surface layer to reduce evaporation and retain heat).
