Arachidyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol derived from peanuts (Arachis hypogaea) and other plants  (Mikania campanulata, Hamamelis virginiana).

The name describes the structure of the molecule:

• Arachidyl - This part of the name is derived from "arachis," the common name for peanuts. However, arachidyl alcohol doesn't necessarily come from peanuts.
• Alcohol - Indicates that the molecule is an alcohol. Alcohols are organic compounds that contain a -OH (hydroxyl) functional group.

Description of the raw materials used in its production:

• Arachidic acid - Arachidyl alcohol is derived from the hydrolysis or saponification of arachidic acid, which is obtained from natural sources like peanuts or vegetable oils. Arachidic acid serves as the precursor for the synthesis of arachidyl alcohol.

Summary of the industrial synthesis process:

• Extraction of arachidic acid - Arachidic acid can be extracted from natural sources, such as peanuts or vegetable oils, through processes like extraction or refining.
• Hydrolysis or saponification of arachidic acid - Arachidic acid is subjected to hydrolysis or saponification, which involves the reaction with water or an alkali, respectively. This reaction breaks down arachidic acid into its constituent parts, including arachidyl alcohol.
• Purification - The crude arachidyl alcohol obtained from the hydrolysis or saponification reaction is purified to remove impurities and other by-products.
• Distillation or fractional crystallization - Purification techniques like distillation or fractional crystallization may be employed to further refine the arachidyl alcohol and obtain a higher level of purity.
• Characterization - The purified arachidyl alcohol is characterized using various analytical techniques to confirm its identity, purity, and desired properties.
• Incorporation into products - Arachidyl alcohol is incorporated into various formulations, such as creams, lotions, and cosmetic products, where its emollient and thickening properties are utilized.
• Packaging and distribution - The final product, containing arachidyl alcohol, is packaged and distributed for use in different industries.

It appears as a white waxy solid powder.

What it is used for and where

Cosmetics

The main role of arachidyl alcohol in skin care products and cosmetics is as a softening and stabilising agent and emulsifier. It has the following INCI acts:

Emulsion stabilizer. Emulsions are thermodynamically unstable. Emulsion stabilisers improve the formation and stability of single and double emulsions. It should be noted that in the structure-function relationship, molar mass plays an important role.

Skin conditioning agent - Emollient. Emollients have the characteristic of enhancing the skin barrier through a source of exogenous lipids that adhere to the skin, improving barrier properties by filling gaps in intercorneocyte clusters to improve hydration while protecting against inflammation. In practice, they have the ability to create a barrier that prevents transepidermal water loss.  Emollients are described as degreasing or refreshing additives that improve the lipid content of the upper layers of the skin by preventing degreasing and drying of the skin. The problem with emollients is that many have a strong lipophilic character and are identified as occlusive ingredients; they are oily and fatty materials that remain on the skin surface and reduce transepidermal water loss. In cosmetics, emollients and moisturisers are often considered synonymous with humectants and occlusives.

Viscosity control agent. It controls and adapts viscosity to the required level for optimal chemical and physical stability of the product and dosage in gels, suspensions, emulsions, solutions. 

Safety

The risk factor is 1, i.e. relatively safe and easy to use.

Medical

Arachidyl alcohol is used in the formulation of emulsions with topical spironolactone, a drug used in the treatment of acne vulgaris.

Other uses

Arachidyl alcohol can prevent or modify the crystallisation of paraffin wax materials and, with its long aliphatic chain, could potentially serve as an effective paraffin inhibitor.

The most relevant studies on this chemical compound have been selected with a summary of their contents:

Arachidyl alcohol studies

Typical commercial product characteristics  Arachidyl Alcohol

Appearance	White waxy solid
Boiling Point	309.0±0.0 °C at 760 mmHg
Melting Point	62-65°C
Flash Point	141.6±5.2°C
Density	0.8±0.1 g/cm3
PSA	20.23000
LogP	9.38
Index of Refraction	1.453
Vapour density	7.4
Vapour Pressure	0.0±1.4 mmHg at 25°C
Safety

• Molecular Formula  C₂₀H₄₂O
• Linear Formula    CH₃(CH₂)₁₉OH
• Molecular Weight     298.5
• Exact Mass   298.323578
• CAS  629-96-9
• UNII    1QR1QRA9BU
• EC Number   211-119-4
• DSSTox Substance ID  DTXSID0027272
• IUPAC  icosan-1-ol
• InChI=1S/C20H42O/c1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10-11-12-13-14-15-16-17-18-19-20-21/h21H,2-20H2,1H3
• InChl Key      BTFJIXJJCSYFAL-UHFFFAOYSA-N
• SMILES   CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCO
• MDL number  MFCD00002938
• PubChem Substance ID    24854045
• ChEBI  75627
• RXCUI       1368131
• NSC   120887

Synonyms:

• 1-Eicosanol

References________________________________________________________________________

Miklaszewska M, Banaś A, Królicka A. Metabolic engineering of fatty alcohol production in transgenic hairy roots of Crambe abyssinica. Biotechnol Bioeng. 2017 Jun;114(6):1275-1282. doi: 10.1002/bit.26234.