<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>>

Below is the summary of responses to my question below regarding, "cetyl
alcohol".  I hope this helps anyone that also had the same questions.

"The ingredient, cetyl alcohol is found in chapsticks.  Does anyone know

about this ingredient and whether or not it is gluten-free?  Thank you
for your responses."

Sidona Ryan

1.  Cetylalcohol is a synthetic alcohol with 16 carbon atoms (methylalcohol has
1 and ethylalcohol which is present in alcoholic beverages has 2). No link
with gluten!!!
F.W. Janssen, Zutphen, The Netherlands

2.  Cetyl Alcohol (also called Alcohol cetylicus, palmityl alcohol,
Hexadecan-1-ol) is used in the paharmaceutical industry as a coating agent,
emulsifying agent and stiffening agent.  Its also used a lot in cosmetics
(especially lotions, creams and ointments.)  Its use in cosmetics is
widespread because it is emollient and absorbes water and helps emulsify
mixtures.  It also makes products more stable and improves their texture.
It helps to lubricate and soften the skin.  It is manufactured from fatty
acids, usually those fom coconut oil or tallow.  I figure it would most
probably be GF but it may be best to check with the product manufacturer.

Regards Dawn G

3.  Merck Index says it is a liquid alcohol made from spermaceti ("a waxy
solid obtained from the oil of cetaceans and esp. sperm whales and used
in ointments, cosmetics, and candles"). I would be really surprised if it
comes into contact with gluten any time during its manufacture, unless a
worker drops a sandwich into a vat.... But Merck also mentions that some
cetyl alcohol is made in a different way by various chemical synthesis
methods (without hurting any whales in the process... i.e., not from
spermaceti). I would still be surprised if gluten contamination would be
a problem with it, since gluten is a grain protein and really wouldn't be
likely to be used in such a synthesis. At least not in any one that I
ever studied.

Peace, Cathy Flick [log in to unmask]

4.   I don't know about cetyl alcohol, but one ingredient you do need to
watch for that is in some chapstick type lip balms, is phenol.  Not because
it contains gluten, but because it is dangerous.  Phenol destroys many of
the nerve fibers that it comes in contact with.  It is a nerve deadener and
is used in Lysol disinfectant spray.  (The odor killer really just numbs our
'smellers'.)  It is also a suspected carcinogen.
    I have created a website that addresses the issue of overexposure to
chemicals in our environment and in the products we use every day for
ourselves and our homes.  I invite you to visit the site and read more about
some of the hazards.  http://myfreeoffice.com/cleansafe   I am still working
on it and will be adding more, so revisit often.  Thanks, Diane