Description

Heptanol is a long-chain alcohol used in cosmetics and personal care products for its various functional properties, including its role as a solvent and emollient. It is a seven-carbon alcohol with the chemical formula C₇H₁₆O, and is often used to enhance the texture and stability of cosmetic formulations.

Chemical Composition and Structure:

Chemical Formula: C₇H₁₆O
Structure: Heptanol consists of a seven-carbon chain with a hydroxyl group (-OH) attached to the end. This structure contributes to its solubility in oils and its ability to act as a solvent and emollient.

Physical Properties:

Appearance: Colorless or slightly yellow liquid.
Odor: Mild, fatty, or slightly alcoholic scent.
Texture: Oily or greasy texture, depending on the concentration in the formulation.

Production Process:

Synthesis: Heptanol is typically synthesized through the reduction of heptanoic acid or by the hydrogenation of heptanal.
Purification: The synthesized heptanol is purified to remove impurities and ensure a high-quality ingredient suitable for use in cosmetics.

Applications:

Solvent: Used as a solvent in various cosmetic formulations to dissolve other ingredients and improve their efficacy.
Emollient: Acts as an emollient to provide a smooth, soft feel to the skin and improve the texture of creams and lotions.
Fragrance: Occasionally used in fragrance formulations to impart a subtle scent.

Safety and Considerations:

Safety: Generally regarded as safe for use in cosmetics and personal care products when used within recommended concentrations. It is not known to cause significant irritation or adverse effects.
Allergies: Rarely causes allergic reactions, but individuals with sensitive skin or specific allergies should be cautious.

INCI:


Perfuming. Unlike fragrance, which can also contain slightly less pleasant or characteristic odours, the term perfume indicates only very pleasant fragrances. Used for perfumes and aromatic raw materials.
Synonyms:

CAS: 111-70-6 EC number 203-897-9