Spermaceti is a waxy substance found in the head cavities of the sperm whale and, in smaller quantities, in the oils of other whales. It is created in the spermaceti organ inside the whales head, which may contain as much as 1,900 liters (500 US gal) of spermaceti. Spermaceti wax is extracted from sperm oil by crystallization at 6 °C (43 °F), when treated by pressure and a chemical solution of caustic alkali. Spermaceti forms brilliant white crystals that are hard but oily to the touch, and are devoid of taste or smell, making it very useful as an ingredient in cosmetics, leatherworking, and lubricants.

Ingredients or materials:

• Cetyl palmitate: the ester of cetyl alcohol and palmitic acid, C15H31COO-C16H33, is the principal component of spermaceti.
• Fatty acids: spermaceti consists of esters of fatty acids with fatty alcohols.
• Triglycerides: simple triglycerides are also present in spermaceti.
• Synthetic wax: cetyl esters, a synthetic wax, is a replacement for spermaceti in some cosmetic products.

Positive:

• Spermaceti is a valuable ingredient in cosmetics, leatherworking, and lubricants due to its brilliant white crystals that are hard but oily to the touch, and are devoid of taste or smell.
• Spermaceti candles were the standard for photometric measurements due to their high illuminating power.

Negative:

• Spermaceti is obtained from the head of the sperm whale, which has led to the decline of the species.
• Spermaceti is now prohibited by federal law due to the hunting of sperm whales.

In summary, spermaceti is a waxy substance found in the head cavities of the sperm whale and is extracted from sperm oil by crystallization. It is a valuable ingredient in cosmetics, leatherworking, and lubricants, but its use has led to the decline of the sperm whale species. Spermaceti is now prohibited by federal law.