Derivatives of the C18 alcohol is used in light- and heavy-duty detergents, laundry pre-softeners, hard surface cleaners, disinfectant, cleaners, metal cleaners, textile processing, pulp and paper processing, wastepaper deinking, agricultural uses in pesticides and soil conditioners, and in metalworking as surface lubricants, etc.

Stearyl Alcohol, also known as 1-Octadecanol, is a fatty alcohol with the chemical formula C18H38O and a molecular weight of 270.49. It appears as a white, waxy solid at room temperature, with a melting point ranging from 56-59°C and a boiling point of 336°C. This alcohol is insoluble in water but is soluble in organic solvents such as ethanol, ether, and chloroform.

Stearyl Alcohol is derived from natural sources like coconut oil and palm kernel oil, and it is used in a variety of applications due to its emollient, emulsifying, and stabilizing properties. It is commonly used in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and personal care products as an emulsifier and stabilizer. The hydrating properties of Stearyl Alcohol make it suitable for use in pharmaceutical formulations, and it is also present in washable ointment bases due to its dispersant abilities and stabilizing properties.

In addition to its use in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, Stearyl Alcohol is also used as a coupling agent in detergents, a base for making sulfonated fatty acids, and a monomer lubricant in suspension polymerization. It may also exhibit antimicrobial activity, potentially due to its ability to alter cell membrane permeability, which can block the absorption of essential nutrients and induce the outward diffusion of vital cellular components.

Overall, Stearyl Alcohol is a versatile ingredient in the personal care and pharmaceutical industries, offering moisturizing and stabilizing benefits, and is recognized for its low toxicity and irritation potential.