What is Ceteareth-20 and how does it compare to other Ceteareth grades?
Ceteareth-20 (CAS 68439-49-6) is a nonionic cetearyl (C16/C18) alcohol ethoxylate averaging 20 ethylene oxide units. It is a hydrophilic primary oil-in-water emulsifier for lotions and creams. Every Ceteareth grade shares the same cetearyl alcohol backbone and differs only in average EO; the higher-EO Ceteareth-40 is more water-soluble and is supplied as a solid. See the grade ladder below to compare grades by EO number.
Ceteareth-20- ▸ O/W emulsifier: Primary hydrophilic emulsifier for creams and lotions.
- ▸ Surfactant/wetting: Reduces surface tension in formulations.
- ▸ Emulsion stabilizer: Supports stable emulsion texture.
| Grade | Avg. EO units | CAS No. | HS code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ceteareth-20 you are here | 20 | 68439-49-6 | 3402.42 |
| Ceteareth-40 | 40 | 68439-49-6 | 3402.42 |
How to choose: Both grades share the same cetearyl (C16/C18) alcohol backbone and differ only in average EO. Higher EO raises HLB and water-solubility: Ceteareth-20 is a hydrophilic primary O/W emulsifier for lotions and creams, while Ceteareth-40 (higher EO, supplied as a solid) is a high-HLB emulsifier and solubilizer.
Alcohol ethoxylates — how they work · HLB system: how to choose an emulsifier · Browse all products
A grade-specific Safety Data Sheet (SDS) — with the complete hazard classification, handling precautions, and transport information — is supplied with every shipment and available on request. Confirm all safety and regulatory details against the SDS for your specific grade.
Request SDS →Ceteareth-20 (CAS 68439-49-6) is a nonionic surfactant, the polyethylene glycol (20 EO) ether of cetostearyl (cetearyl) alcohol. It is used as an oil-in-water emulsifier, surfactant and emulsion stabilizer in creams, lotions and cleansing formulations.
Regulatory & registration requirements
- TSCA (US):
- REACH (EU):
- EC number: 939-518-5
TSCA Inventory flag XU: a substance exempt from reporting under the Chemical Data Reporting Rule (40 CFR 711) (EPA flag legend).
Source: EPA TSCA Inventory (July 2025 release) · ECHA CHEM — retrieved 2026-07-12
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ceteareth-20?
Ceteareth-20 (CAS 68439-49-6) is a nonionic surfactant, specifically the polyethylene glycol (20 EO) ether of cetostearyl (cetearyl) alcohol. It is used as an oil-in-water emulsifier, surfactant, and emulsion stabilizer in creams, lotions, and cleansing formulations.
What is Ceteareth-20 made of?
It is produced by ethoxylating cetearyl alcohol (a blend of cetyl and stearyl alcohols) with approximately 20 moles of ethylene oxide. This yields a nonionic PEG ether surfactant classified under HS 3402.42.
What does Ceteareth-20 do in a formulation?
It acts as the primary hydrophilic oil-in-water emulsifier in creams and lotions, reduces surface tension as a surfactant and wetting agent, and supports stable emulsion texture as an emulsion stabilizer. It is often paired with a co-emulsifier such as cetearyl alcohol.
What is the difference between Ceteareth-20 and Ceteareth-25?
The number indicates the average moles of ethylene oxide per molecule (20 vs. 25 EO), so Ceteareth-25 is more ethoxylated and more hydrophilic (higher HLB). Both share CAS 68439-49-6; selection depends on the HLB needed for your emulsion system.
How is Ceteareth-20 supplied in bulk and what documentation is provided?
It is supplied as a waxy solid or flake in industrial packaging such as bags and drums, with a Certificate of Analysis and Safety Data Sheet (SDS) per lot. Request a bulk quote with your volume requirement.
What is the REACH and TSCA regulatory status of Ceteareth-20?
Ceteareth-20 (CAS 68439-49-6) is subject to U.S. TSCA Inventory requirements; supplying it into the EU requires valid REACH registration ((EC) No 1907/2006). RawSource cannot verify a third-party supplier's registrations — buyers should require documented TSCA and REACH compliance for their jurisdiction and volume (EC 939-518-5).