Ceteareth-20 General Information

Chemical Name: Polyoxyethylene (20)cetyl ether
INCI Name: Ceteareth-20
Pearl Name: Ceteareth-20
General Trade Name: Ceteareth-20,
English Name: Ceteareth-20
Turkish Name: Ceteareth-20
CAS Number: 68439-49-6
EC Number: 500-212-8
IUPAC Number: Alcohols, C16-18, ethoxylated
E Food Code: There is no E Food Class code as it is not used in food.
1. Brief Description of the Product
Ceteareth-20, used to emulsify oils and water-insoluble substances is a nonionic surfactant. It has a structure that is soluble in both water and oil, which makes it a preferred ingredient in creams, lotions, hair care products and cosmetic formulations. It usually acts as an emulsion stabilizer, surface tension reducer and solubilizer.
2. Areas of Use and Usage Rates of the Product
Areas of Use:
- Cosmetic: Creams, lotions, shampoos, conditioners.
- Home Care Products: Detergents, surface cleaners.
- Industrial Applications: Paint, coating and metalworking fluids.
Usage Rates:
- In Cosmetic Products: %1-5.
- In Industrial Formulations: %2-10, varies depending on the application area.
3. Physical Properties of the Product
- Appearance: Solid (usually in granular or flaky form).
- Colour: White to light yellow.
- Smell: Mild characteristic.
- Resolution: It is soluble in both water and oil.
- Melting Point: 40-50°C.
- Intensity: ~1 g/cm³ (at 25°C).
4. Chemical Properties and Molecular Formula of the Product
- Chemical Formula: C16H34O-(C2H4O)n (n = 20).
- Molecular Weight: ~1100 g/mol (average).
- Chemical Structure: It is a combination of long chain alcohols and polyethylene oxide.
5. Other Names of the Product
Turkish Names:
- Cetearyl alcohol ethoxylate.
- Polyethylene glycol cetearyl ether.
Cetearath-20 Trade Names:
Cosemul CS 20, HALLSTAR® KLA, Brij CS20, Brookswax D, CarnaubaMilk-CarnaubaWaxDispersion, Cetomacrogol 1000 BP, Cosmowax D, DEHYQUART® C 4046, DUB SC 20D, DUB SC 20G, EMULGADE® 1000 D, EMULGADE® 1000 NI, EMULGADE® CM, EMULGADE® SE-PF, EMULPHARMA® 100, Emulsifying Wax NF14 and PermulginD.
ERCAWAX CS 20, EUMULGIN® B 2, EVIMUL CM, EVIMUL SE, Genamin® CTAC-CP, Genapol® T 200, HALLSTAR® KLA, Hostacerin® CCS 200, Hostacerin® CS 200, Jeecol CS-20, Jeecol CS-20- D, Jeecol ST-20-G, Jeesperse CPW EW-1LP, Lipocol® SC-20, LIPOMULSE LUXE, Lipomulse® Luxe
LIPOWAX D, Lipowax® D, Lipowax® G, PROCOL CS-20, PROCOL CS-20-D, PROCOL ST-20-G, Promulgen D Nonionic Emulsifier, Promulgen G Nonionic Emulsifier, Ritachol 5000, Ritapro 200, Ritapro 300, SABOQUAT HRC (Ready to use base), SABOWAX AE, SABOWAX BTC, SABOWAX CS 20, SABOWAX FL 1, SABOWAX O 20, SIMULSOL 68 PHA, SMEC Concentrate #1 PF, TEGINACID®
English Names:
- Polyethylene glycol cetyl ether.
- PEG-20 cetyl ether.
6. Useful Links
- PubChem Link: Ceteareth-20 – PubChem.
- Product Chemical Safety Information Link (LCSS): National Center for Biotechnology Information (2024). PubChem Compound LCSS for CID 8221, Stearyl Alcohol. Retrieved November 25, 2024 from https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Stearyl-Alcohol#datasheet=LCSS.
7. Product Safety and Storage Information
- Storage: Store in a cool, dry and well-ventilated place.
- Stability: It is stable under suitable conditions.
- Safety Precautions:
- Avoid contact with eyes and skin; in case of contact, rinse with plenty of water.
- In case of inhalation, remove to a well-ventilated area and seek medical attention.
- Transport: To prevent dust formation, appropriate protective equipment should be used.
8. Remarkable Information About the Product
Ceteareth-20 has unique properties as an emulsifier and surfactant that is widely used in cosmetic and industrial applications. Here are some notable details about this substance:
1. Emulsifier Properties
Ceteareth-20 acts as an excellent emulsifier with its ability to dissolve in both oil and water. This allows it to mix water and oil phases and form a stable emulsion. This feature allows it to be used in a wide variety of cosmetic formulas such as creams, lotions and shampoos. Since it is effective in providing stability, it offers long shelf life in formulas.
2. Its Role in Cosmetic Applications
Ceteareth-20 works synergistically with moisturizing agents in skin and hair care products to make them more effective. It helps products maintain a homogeneous consistency and allows them to spread easily on the skin. It also moisturizes the skin without leaving an oily feeling.
3. Formulation Flexibility
Ceteareth-20 can be incorporated into formulations at both low and high temperatures, making it easily adaptable to a variety of manufacturing processes. It can be used on its own or in combination with other emulsifiers to create more complex emulsion systems.
4. Compatibility and Security
This ingredient is generally considered safe in skin and hair care products. However, it should be used with caution on sensitive skin. It is approved for use in cosmetic products in the European Union and the United States and has a low risk of skin irritation.
5. Advantages of Molecular Structure
Ceteareth-20 has a combination of long-chain alcohols and polyethylene oxide. This structure gives the molecule both hydrophobic (oil-loving) and hydrophilic (water-loving) ends, making it ideal for water-oil mixtures.
6. Use in Industrial and Consumer Products
Ceteareth-20 is used not only in cosmetics but also in industrial applications. For example:
- Paints and coatings: Increases the stability of the mixture.
- Cleaning products: Thanks to its surface active properties, it is effective in dissolving dirt and oils.
- Metalworking fluids: Provides lubrication and stability.
7. Biodegradability
The environmental impacts of Ceteareth-20 are generally considered low because it is biodegradable. However, releases to aquatic environments in large quantities should be carefully considered.
8. ECOCERT Certified Varieties
Ceteareth-20 is available in ECOCERT certified varieties, which makes it possible to use it in organic cosmetics or products formulated with natural ingredients.
9. Characteristic Features
Ceteareth-20 is odorless or has a slight characteristic odor. This does not affect the odor in the final product when used in products that do not contain perfumes or essences.
10. Increasing Formulation Stability
It increases stability in formulas and prevents products from separating or phases from separating from each other. Therefore, it is durable even in high temperature conditions.
11. High Efficiency at Low Concentrations
The effectiveness of Ceteareth-20 at low concentrations provides a great advantage in terms of optimizing the cost in formulations. For example, this component used among %1-5 can increase the performance of the product.
9. Frequently Asked Questions and Answers About the Product
- Is Ceteareth-20 harmful to the skin? Generally considered safe in low concentrations, but may cause irritation to sensitive skin.
- Is Ceteareth-20 a natural compound? No, it is produced synthetically but can be derived from natural oils.
- Is Ceteareth-20 vegan? It is generally considered vegan-friendly because it is produced without the use of animal ingredients.
- How stable is Ceteareth-20? It is very stable over a wide pH range.
- What is the environmental impact of Ceteareth-20? It is biodegradable but should be used with caution in aquatic environments.
- What kind of emulsifier is Ceteareth-20? It is a nonionic emulsifier that is soluble in both oil and water.
- In which products is Ceteareth-20 not used? It is generally not recommended for eye contour products and baby products.
- Can Ceteareth-20 be used with other emulsifiers? Yes, it often works synergistically with other surfactants.
- Is there a difference between Ceteareth-20 and Ceteareth-30? Yes, polyethylene oxide chains vary in length, which affects solubility and emulsifying properties.
- What component can be used instead of Ceteareth-20? Polysorbate 20 or Ceteareth-12 has similar properties.
















Oguzhan –
thanks