Understanding Cetearyl Alcohol and Light Cream Maker in Formulations

Let's address your questions regarding the use of Cetearyl Alcohol, especially in combination with Light Cream Maker.

Question 1: Can melted Cetearyl Alcohol be used directly in an oil-free formula?

Based on the properties of Cetearyl Alcohol, it is primarily soluble in oil and is designed to be incorporated into the oil phase of a formulation by heating until it dissolves (typically around 70°C). It functions as a thickener and emollient within an emulsion system that contains an oil phase. Using melted Cetearyl Alcohol directly in a formula without an oil phase or a suitable emulsifier/thickener designed for oil-free systems is generally not recommended and may not yield the desired texture or stability.

Question 2: Why does melted Cetearyl Alcohol solidify when mixed with Light Cream Maker before the water phase, and how to fix it?

The solidification you observed occurs because Cetearyl Alcohol is not compatible with Cream Makers like Light Cream Maker in the way you described. The product description for Cetearyl Alcohol explicitly states that it must not be used with any type of Cream Maker because Cetearyl Alcohol cannot bind water and oil.

Cetearyl Alcohol requires an oil phase to dissolve properly when heated. Light Cream Maker is an emulsifier/thickener that works to create an emulsion between oil and water phases. When you mix melted Cetearyl Alcohol directly with Light Cream Maker without the presence of both the oil and water phases in the correct processing method, the Cetearyl Alcohol will solidify as it cools because it hasn't been properly dispersed or emulsified into a stable system.

How to correctly use Cetearyl Alcohol (in a formula with an oil phase):

The standard method is to dissolve Cetearyl Alcohol in the oil phase of your formulation by heating both together (usually around 70°C). Separately, prepare your water phase, which would contain the Light Cream Maker (if your formula includes an oil phase and you are using Light Cream Maker as the emulsifier, although the product description advises against using Cetearyl Alcohol with any Cream Maker). Then, combine the heated oil phase with the water phase while stirring to form the emulsion.

Important Consideration: Given the product description's warning that Cetearyl Alcohol should not be used with any type of Cream Maker, and its requirement for an oil phase for proper dissolution and function, it may not be suitable for your intended oil-free formulation using Light Cream Maker. If you need a thickener in an oil-free system, consider alternative thickeners that are compatible with water-based formulas and Light Cream Maker.