CAS number 246159-33-1
INCI name CETEARYL GLUCOSIDE
Cetearyl Glucoside is an emulsifier that helps soften the skin and improve the texture of formulations. It works well in low-viscosity products, enhancing their spreadability in cosmetic and personal care applications. In its raw state, it appears as ivory-colored pellets with a characteristic odor. Its chemical formula is C22H30N4O.
Purpose
Cetearyl Glucoside is a mild, non-ionic emulsifier obtained from cetearyl alcohol and glucose, widely used in oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions to enhance stability and texture. It effectively combines oil and water, preventing separation while ensuring a smooth, lightweight consistency. Particularly suitable for low-viscosity formulations such as lotions and serums, it boosts spreadability without feeling greasy. Due to its plant-derived origin and gentle nature, it is a preferred ingredient in natural and organic skincare products.
Origin
Cetearyl Glucoside can be derived from both natural and synthetic sources and is typically produced by reacting cetearyl alcohol with glucose. In its raw form, it appears as ivory-colored pellets with a distinct scent.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Name | Cetearyl Glucoside |
| Type | Non-ionic emulsifier |
| Source | Cetearyl Glucoside is derived from natural sources such as coconut or palm oil (cetearyl alcohol) and glucose (derived from plant sugars) |
| PH | 4 to 8 |
| Concentration | 1% to 5% |
| Solubility | soluble in both water and oils |
| Odor | Mild, slightly sweet, characteristic scent |
| Color | Ivory or off-white |
| Boiling Point | 70–75°C |
| Physical state | Pellet form or waxy solid |
Gentle & Non-Irritating
Cetearyl Glucoside is widely recognized for its gentle nature, making it ideal for sensitive skin. It is non-irritating, which makes it a staple in skincare products designed for those with delicate or reactive skin. Its mildness extends to its use in products for babies and those with skin conditions, ensuring that it helps nourish without causing irritation.
Improved Product Stability
By acting as an emulsifier, Cetearyl Glucoside enhances the overall stability of cosmetic formulations. It prevents phase separation and ensures that emulsions remain intact over time. This stability is particularly crucial for products that require consistency in texture and performance, as it prevents ingredients from breaking down or losing effectiveness.
Hydration Enhancement
Cetearyl Glucoside plays a key role in enhancing the hydration levels of skin care products. Its ability to help lock in moisture means that skin stays hydrated and soft throughout the day. This characteristic is especially beneficial in lotions, moisturizers, and other skincare products aimed at dry or dehydrated skin types.
Versatility Across Formulations
Due to its high compatibility with different types of formulations, Cetearyl Glucoside can be used in various cosmetic and personal care products. It works effectively in emulsions, lotions, serums, and creams, making it a highly versatile ingredient. Its ability to perform well in a range of textures and formulations allows it to be an essential component in both high-performance products and gentle skincare solutions.
Ideal for Low-Viscosity Products
Cetearyl Glucoside is particularly effective in low-viscosity products, such as milky lotions and lightweight serums. Its emulsifying properties help achieve the right texture and consistency without making the product too heavy or greasy. It enhances the product’s spreadability, allowing it to be applied evenly and absorbed without weighing down the skin.
Sustainable & Eco-Friendly Ingredient
With growing demand for sustainable beauty, Cetearyl Glucoside offers an eco-friendly solution. It is biodegradable and can be derived from renewable plant sources like coconut or corn. The environmentally friendly production process and natural origin make it a great fit for clean beauty brands focused on reducing their ecological footprint.
Vegan & Cruelty-Free
Being plant-derived and free from animal testing, Cetearyl Glucoside fits into vegan and cruelty-free beauty lines. It provides an ethical choice for consumers who prefer products made with ingredients that are not tested on animals and that avoid animal-derived components.
Non-Comedogenic
Cetearyl Glucoside is non-comedogenic, meaning it does not clog pores. This makes it suitable for use in facial skincare products for all skin types, including those prone to acne or breakouts. It offers a lightweight feel and does not contribute to skin congestion, making it ideal for formulations designed for oily or acne-prone skin.
Enhanced Product Performance
By improving the texture and sensory feel of products, Cetearyl Glucoside enhances the overall user experience. It helps to optimize the spreadability of formulations, ensuring that they glide smoothly on the skin. This characteristic is particularly beneficial in products designed for everyday use, as it ensures ease of application and a pleasant feel after use.
Support for Active Ingredients
Cetearyl Glucoside is not only effective as an emulsifier, but it also plays a supportive role in preserving the efficacy of active ingredients in formulations. It helps stabilize sensitive actives, such as vitamins, antioxidants, and botanical extracts, ensuring that they remain potent and effective in the final product. This makes it an ideal choice for products that contain high concentrations of beneficial ingredients.
Applications of Cetearyl Glucoside
Facial and Body Creams
Cetearyl Glucoside is commonly used in facial and body creams to stabilize emulsions and enhance texture. It helps create a smooth, non-greasy, and easily spreadable consistency, allowing for even application across the skin. In body creams, it also contributes to hydration by preventing moisture loss, leaving the skin feeling soft and nourished.
Lotions and Milks
In lotions and milky formulations, Cetearyl Glucoside plays a crucial role in ensuring the product remains stable and homogeneous. It is particularly useful in low-viscosity products, providing the right texture for lightweight, fluid formulations that absorb quickly into the skin without leaving a heavy or sticky feeling.
Serums
Serums, especially those with a lightweight consistency, benefit from Cetearyl Glucoside’s ability to enhance spreadability and improve texture. It helps create a silky, smooth application, allowing the serum to glide effortlessly onto the skin and absorb quickly, while also contributing to the product’s overall stability.
Shampoos and Conditioners
In haircare products like shampoos and conditioners, Cetearyl Glucoside works as an emulsifier to help blend oils and water-based ingredients. It provides conditioning benefits to the hair, making it smoother and more manageable without weighing it down. The ingredient also helps maintain the product’s texture and consistency over time.
Sunscreens
Cetearyl Glucoside is often used in sunscreen formulations to ensure that the oil and water-based ingredients stay well mixed. It helps emulsify the active ingredients, such as mineral sunscreens, ensuring even application and enhancing the product’s spreadability. This emulsifier also contributes to the lightweight, non-greasy texture of many sunscreens.
Baby Care Products
Due to its mild, non-irritating properties, Cetearyl Glucoside is commonly found in baby lotions, creams, and wipes. It provides a gentle way to emulsify ingredients in products designed for sensitive skin, while also improving the product’s moisturizing and soothing effects. Its ability to condition the skin makes it suitable for products that require both hydration and skin barrier support.
Makeup Removers and Cleansers
In makeup removers and cleansers, Cetearyl Glucoside helps emulsify oil-based and water-based ingredients. It facilitates the removal of makeup, dirt, and impurities while providing skin-softening benefits. This emulsifier ensures the product maintains a smooth texture, allowing for gentle cleansing without irritating the skin.
Lip Balms and Lip Care Products
Cetearyl Glucoside can be used in lip care products to stabilize emulsions, ensuring that oils and waxes blend seamlessly with other ingredients. It helps maintain a smooth, non-sticky texture, making it ideal for lip balms, glosses, and treatment products that provide hydration and nourishment to the delicate skin on the lips.
Hand and Foot Creams
In hand and foot creams, Cetearyl Glucoside is effective in providing a rich, hydrating texture while ensuring that the product remains non-greasy. It improves the spreadability of these heavier formulations, helping them absorb easily into the skin without leaving a residue. Its ability to stabilize active ingredients ensures the long-lasting effects of moisturizing and softening agents.
After-Sun Care Products
After-sun care lotions, gels, and creams often include Cetearyl Glucoside to help stabilize and emulsify soothing ingredients, such as aloe vera and vitamin E. The emulsifier enhances the product’s texture and ensures that it provides a smooth, cooling application. It also helps lock in moisture, offering much-needed hydration to the skin after sun exposure.
