Cetyl Stearyl Alcohol Market

Global Cetyl Stearyl Alcohol Market Size

The global cetyl stearyl alcohol market size was valued at USD 780.63 million in 2024, and the global market size is expected to reach USD 1,076.95 million by 2033 from USD 809.05 million in 2025. The market is growing at a CAGR of 3.64% during the forecast period.

MARKET OVERVIEW

Cetyl Stearyl or cetearyl alcohol is a waxy substance that has numerous applications in the food industry as an opacifying agent, emulsion stabilizer, foam-enhancing surfactant, and viscosity agent. It is present as a waxy white flake at room temperature and is soluble in alcohols and oil and insoluble in water due to its water retention property; it is used as an emollient that prevents dry and chapped skin. It is mainly used as thickening agents that change the thickness of the liquid and stabilize the liquid and increase the foaming ability. It is widely used in personal care products such as creams, lotions, hair dyes, sunscreens, anti-aging treatments, and shampoos, and is also used in the cosmetic industry. Cetearyl alcohol has moisturizing properties, which makes it a suitable stabilizer and emulsifier, which is why it is used in the pharmaceutical industry. It can also be used as a food additive or a food flavor enhancer. 

MARKET DRIVERS 

Cetyl stearyl alcohol plays a fundamental role in the cosmetic industry. They function as an emulsifier, emollient, thickener, and carrier for other constituents contained in a cosmetic solution. The consumption of the skin and hair care industry is expected to drive the Europe cetyl stearyl alcohol market. Also, the region's thriving healthcare sector will have a positive impact on the European cetyl stearyl alcohol market. The recent surge in spending on skin creams and lotions is acting as a growth propellant for the beauty and personal care industry, which is having a positive impact on the demand of cetyl stearyl alcohol. The overall consumption rate of hair products has increased mainly due to the hair products mentioned by most consumers, such as dandruff, hair loss, baldness, etc., in particular those based on vegetable oil. Increasing demand for beauty and personal care products due to rising disposable income in emerging EU economies is supposed to be a major stimulus for the global cetyl stearyl alcohol market. High volatility in vegetable and oil commodity prices is expected to hamper market growth and present challenges for industry participants over the calculated time period. Price pressures and increased competition in the marketplace prevent manufacturers from maintaining their profit margins. Allergens and irritants found in cetyl stearyl alcohol are known to cause acute contact dermatitis (a type of skin inflammation). Also, since cetyl stearyl alcohol is chemically non-ionic in nature, it does not charge when mixed with water and therefore rinsing remains ineffective, which are two of the main limitations of the business. The increasing growth of the chemical industries creates a demand for cetyl stearyl alcohol around the world. Cetyl stearyl alcohol producers are benefited by the advancements in the cosmetics and toiletries industry for the increased adoption of cetyl stearyl alcohol.

REPORT COVERAGE

REGIONAL ANALYSIS

The Asia Pacific presents a significantly high market share, and the market will expand at a significant growth rate due to population growth and lifestyle change to create opportunities for the personal care industry, which will lead to demand for cetyl stearyl alcohol. The developing market of China and India is estimated to have a positive impact on the growth of the cetyl stearyl alcohol market in Asia-Pacific. The regional market is supposed to see healthy growth during the foreseen period as the cosmetics, personal care and beauty industries expand around the world.

The United States is the main contributor to the North American market, followed by Canada and Mexico. North America is likely to show optimistic growth in the cetyl stearyl alcohol market due to a higher consumption rate of various cosmetic products in the region. 

Latin America is one of the main emerging regions, which will generate significant opportunities in the local market during the forecast period due to the increase in consumer spending per capita on personal care products and cosmetics.

The Middle East and Africa are some of the top emerging regions, which will generate significant opportunities in the Cetyl Stearyl Alcohol market over the conjecture period due to the increase in per capita spending on cosmetics and personal care. The Middle East and Africa are still in their infancy for this product. The growing automotive and personal care industries around the world are capturing the attention of consumers in these areas. The region is expected to experience moderate growth during the forecast period due to the aforementioned factors. Turkey is considered a key market in the Middle East and Africa.

KEY MARKET PLAYERS

P&G Chemicals, Acme-Hardesty Company, BASF SE, Kao Chemicals, Texas Natural Supply, The Prakash Chemicals Pvt Ltd are some of the notable companies in the global Cetyl Stearyl Alcohol market.

RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN THE MARKET

• Nutri-Vet Cetyl-M Advanced Joint Action Formula supplement was specially designed for dogs to improve overall health and functionality in dogs. It includes Cetyl Myristoleate and a combination of Glucosamine-HCl and other ingredients, supporting growth in older dogs. If used as recommended, this formula can also help relieve pain and discomfort that can occur during strenuous activity, training, and competition.
• In November 2018, Manna Pro expanded its strong line of animal care and nutrition products with the acquisition of Response Products, manufacturer of joint and hip products Cetyl M®. The acquisition was finalized in September. The Cetyl M brand is very successful on social media and has been marketed primarily online and by a team of professional riders, trainers, and rodeo competitors. Cetyl M products are sold in the United States and many other countries. 

MARKET SEGMENTATION 

This research report on the global cetyl stearyl alcohol market has been segmented and sub-segmented based on form, application, end user, and region.

By Form

• Waxy Solids           
• Liquid   

By Application

• Surfactant
• Emulsion Stabilizer
• Opacifier

By End-User

• food and beverage
• cosmetic and personal care
• pharmaceutical fields

By Region

• North America
• Asia Pacific
• Europe
• Latin America
• Middle East and Africa