Having both hydrophilic and hydrophobic character, C8-C10 fatty alcohols find use as a nonionic solvent in the production of surfactants and detergents. In the food and cosmetics industries they find use as emulsifiers, emollients and thickeners. In cosmetic emulsions fatty alcohols are used to provide consistency. In technical emulsions they are used as co-surfactants and solution aids. The polar character of fatty alcohols allow them to be used as lubricants during the processing of polymers as well.