Cetyl Alcohol, also known as Palmityl Alcohol, is a naturally derived fatty alcohol with 16 carbon atoms. Today, Palm Oil is the primary source for Cetyl Alcohol. This material is a solid and is in the form of white flakes or pastilles. Cetyl Alcohol is used in a variety of personal care applications since it imparts an emollient feel to the skin. Often times, Cetyl Alcohol will be used as an opacifier in shampoos and as an emollient, emulsifier or thickening agent in skin creams and lotions.