CAS number 68439-49-6
INCI name Ceteareth-20
Ceteareth-20 is a versatile emulsifier commonly used in skincare and haircare products. This odorless, white compound effectively binds oil and water, ensuring stable formulations. It helps maintain smooth, soft, and supple skin and also hair while blending well with various ingredients. Additionally, it is suitable for all skin types and enhances the overall performance of cosmetic formulations.
Purpose
Ceteareth-20 is a versatile ingredient widely used in skincare and haircare formulations. It functions as a cleanser by eliminating dirt, excess oil, and impurities. As a moisturizing agent, it enhances softness, smoothness, and hydration. Its emulsifying nature allows it to combine oil and water, therefore ensuring consistency and stability in products.
Origin
Ceteareth-20 is a non-ionic compound synthesized through the reaction of Cetearyl alcohol with twenty ethylene oxide molecules. The number in its name indicates the specific quantity of ethylene oxide units incorporated during its production. As a lab-created synthetic ingredient, Ceteareth-20 is formed through a process known as ethoxylation.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Name | Ceteareth-20 |
| Type | Non-ionic emulsifier, surfactant |
| Source | Derived from cetyl and stearyl alcohols (vegetable or synthetic origin) |
| PH | 5.0–7.0 |
| Solubility | Soluble in water and oil |
| Concentration | 0.5%–5% |
| Boiling point | greater than 100°C |
| Color | White to off-white |
| Odor | Mild or odorless |
| Physical state | Waxy flakes or solid pellets |
Dual-Phase Emulsifier
Ceteareth-20 functions as both an oil-in-water (O/W) and water-in-oil (W/O) emulsifier, making it highly versatile in cosmetic and personal care formulations. It is particularly effective in high-water-content emulsions, helping maintain stability and uniformity.
High HLB Value (~15.7) for Efficient Emulsification
With a high HLB value, this is highly effective in stabilizing O/W emulsions. It prevents phase separation and improves the long-term stability of formulations, thus ensuring a consistent product texture and performance.
Exceptional Solubilizing Power
This emulsifier excels at dispersing hydrophobic ingredients such as essential oils, fragrances, and active compounds in water-based formulations. It helps reduce cloudiness, allowing for clear or smoothly textured products.
Broad Compatibility with Ingredients
Ceteareth-20 is compatible with a wide variety of surfactants, co-emulsifiers, and thickeners. It works seamlessly with natural and synthetic oils, silicones, and botanical extracts without causing destabilization.
Non-Ionic Nature for Stability
Being non-ionic, it remains stable across various pH levels, typically ranging from mildly acidic to slightly alkaline (5.0–7.0). It also maintains emulsion integrity in formulations containing salts and electrolytes, which often destabilize ionic emulsifiers.
Enhanced Texture & Sensory Benefits
Ceteareth-20 improves the spreadability and absorption of creams and lotions, offering a light, non-greasy finish. It enhances the overall feel of formulations, contributing to smooth, also velvety textures that improve user experience.
Thermal Stability & Heat Resistance
With the ability to withstand heating up to ~70°C, Ceteareth-20 is ideal for hot-process emulsions. It retains its emulsifying ability even under fluctuating temperatures during manufacturing and storage, ensuring product consistency.
Self-Emulsifying Ability
This emulsifier can form stable emulsions with minimal need for additional co-emulsifiers, simplifying the formulation process. It reduces the necessity for high mechanical mixing,thus leading to more efficient production.
Physical Versatility (Multiple Forms)
Available in waxy flakes, solid pellets, or pastilles, Ceteareth-20 is easy to handle and incorporate into different formulations. It can be pre-dispersed in the oil phase for easier blending, ensuring a smooth emulsification process.
Applications of Ceteareth-20
Skincare Products
Ceteareth-20 is widely used in creams, lotions, serums, and moisturizers due to its excellent emulsifying properties. It helps create lightweight, non-greasy formulations with enhanced spreadability and absorption. It is also found in anti-aging treatments, sunscreens, and after-sun products,also ensuring uniform distribution of active ingredients.
Haircare Formulations
It is commonly used in shampoos, conditioners, hair masks, and styling products to improve texture, enhance emulsification, and provide a smooth, luxurious feel. It helps solubilize oils and active ingredients, making it an essential component in hair serums and leave-in treatments.
Makeup and Color Cosmetics
Ceteareth-20 is used in foundations, BB creams, primers, and other makeup products to provide smooth application and improve emulsion stability. It helps disperse pigments evenly, ensuring better coverage and consistency in liquid and cream-based cosmetics.
Body Care and Personal Hygiene
It is found in body lotions, shower gels, liquid soaps, and deodorants, where it enhances foam quality, stabilizes emulsions, and improves sensory attributes. Its ability to dissolve oils and fragrances makes it useful in body mists and fragrance sprays.
Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Creams
Ceteareth-20 is used in pharmaceutical emulsions, medicated creams, and ointments to ensure even dispersion of active ingredients. It enhances stability, making formulations more effective and thus easier to apply.
Sunscreens and SPF Products
In sun protection formulations, Ceteareth-20 ensures even distribution of UV filters, improving coverage and protection. It contributes to water-resistant formulations by stabilizing oil-based sunscreens.
Industrial and Household Applications
Beyond personal care, Ceteareth-20 is used in industrial emulsions, textile treatments, and household cleaning products. It helps in stabilizing oil-based formulations in fabric softeners, polishes, and also surface cleaners.
