Product Overview & China Production Capacity
Stearyl Alcohol (1-Octadecanol, CAS 112-92-5, molecular formula C₁₈H₃₈O, MW 270.49) is a long-chain fatty alcohol used as an emollient, emulsion stabilizer, thickener, and co-emulsifier in pharmaceutical topical formulations, cosmetics, and personal care products. Chinese oleochemical facilities produce stearyl alcohol through catalytic hydrogenation of stearic acid or methyl stearate, with annual capacity exceeding 500,000 metric tons of mixed and pure fatty alcohols from production centers in Guangdong, Shandong, and Jiangsu provinces.
In pharmaceutical cream and ointment formulations, stearyl alcohol provides consistency, emulsion stability, and emollient properties. It functions as a co-emulsifier with sodium lauryl sulfate in self-emulsifying wax systems (Emulsifying Wax NF). Chinese manufacturers offer both cetostearyl alcohol (C16-C18 blends) and high-purity stearyl alcohol (≥95% C18) in bead, flake, and pastille forms, meeting USP/NF and EP pharmacopoeial requirements.
Manufacturing Standards & Quality Assurance
Production facilities maintain ISO 9001:2015, and kosher/halal certifications. Quality testing includes acid value, saponification value, iodine value, hydroxyl value, melting point, moisture content, heavy metals, and microbial limits. Products comply with USP/NF, EP, and ChP specifications. Vegetable-origin stearyl alcohol derived from palm or coconut oil is available with RSPO sustainability certification.
High-pressure hydrogenation of fatty acid methyl esters uses copper chromite or copper zinc catalyst systems under precisely controlled conditions. Fractional distillation separates C16 and C18 cuts to achieve target purity. Product is processed into flakes, beads, or pastilles through cooling belt or prilling technology for easy handling and dissolution.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| CAS Number | 112-92-5 |
| Molecular Formula | C₁₈H₃₈O |
| Molecular Weight | 270.49 g/mol |
| Appearance | White waxy flakes or beads |
| Hydroxyl Value | 200–220 mg KOH/g |
| Acid Value | ≤1.0 mg KOH/g |
| Iodine Value | ≤2.0 |
| Melting Point | 55–60 °C |
| Heavy Metals (Pb) | ≤10 ppm |
| Pharmacopoeial Compliance | USP/NF, EP, ChP |
Packaging & Export Logistics
Stearyl alcohol is packed in 25 kg PE-lined kraft bags or carton boxes, palletized for container loading. Bulk supply in 500 kg FIBCs is available. Lead time is 7–12 business days. FOB shipment from Guangzhou, Shanghai, or Qingdao; CIF and DDP terms supported.
Documentation includes CoA, SDS, vegetable-origin certificate, and commercial shipping paperwork. Non-hazardous classification simplifies international logistics.
China Supply Advantage
China’s oleochemical industry integration delivers stearyl alcohol at 20–35% below Western manufacturers while maintaining full pharmacopoeial compliance. Dual-origin sourcing (palm and petrochemical) ensures supply flexibility. Chinese producers export to pharmaceutical and cosmetic manufacturers across 70+ countries with proven quality consistency and responsive commercial support.