CETEARETH-9- ▸ O/W emulsifier: Primary hydrophilic emulsifier for creams and lotions.
- ▸ Surfactant/wetting: Reduces surface tension in formulations.
- ▸ Emulsion stabilizer: Supports stable emulsion texture.
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.
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.