A plant-derived fatty alcohol that thickens and stabilises creams, lotions, conditioners and balms. Despite the name, it is not a drying alcohol. It is a waxy, conditioning ingredient that makes a homemade product feel smoother and more finished.
What it does
Thickens and stabilises emulsions
Improves slip, spreadability and skin feel
Reduces greasiness in oil-rich formulas
Adds structure to creams, lotions and conditioners
Where you'll use it
Facial moisturiser, body lotion, hand cream, conditioner, leave-in and styling creams, deodorant sticks and balms, pomade.
Good to know
Melt it during the heated phase
Used alongside an emulsifier, not on its own
Final thickness depends on how much you use; water-based products need a preservative
One of the building blocks behind the recipes in our free recipe bank at homemadehaven.com.au.
