Cetyl Esters is a synthetic wax that is moderately translucent white to off-white in color. In cosmetics and personal care products, it is used in a wide variety of product types, including moisturizers, skin care and cleansing products, makeup, hair conditioners and hair dyes.
Safety data on four of these esters (cetyl palmitate, cetyl stearate, myristyl myristate, and myristyl stearate) have previously been reviewed and were summarized in the CIR report. Overall, the data showed no systemic toxicity, no sensitization or photosensitization, and little irritation. Because of the structural similarity of cetyl myristate and stearyl stearate to these four ingredients, it is expected that they would behave in a similarly nontoxic manner.
If made from plants, Cetyl Esters may be used in cosmetics and personal care products marketed in Europe according to the general provisions of the Cosmetics Directive of the European Union. If components of Cetyl Esters are made from animal sources, they must must comply with the European Union animal by-products regulations.
Link to the EU Cosmetics Directive
http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/cosmetics/html/consolidated_d...