What is Ceteareth-40 and how does it compare to other Ceteareth grades?
Ceteareth-40 (CAS 68439-49-6) is a high-EO cetearyl (C16/C18) alcohol ethoxylate carrying an average of 40 ethylene oxide units and supplied as a solid. Its high HLB makes it a strongly hydrophilic emulsifier and solubilizer for oil-in-water systems. Compared with the lower-EO Ceteareth-20, it is more water-soluble. The grade ladder below compares the Ceteareth series by EO number.
Ceteareth-40- ▸ Emulsifier: Oil-in-water emulsifier for creams and lotions.
- ▸ Surfactant: Surfactant and cleansing agent in personal care.
- ▸ Solubilizer: Solubilizes oils and oil-soluble actives.
| Grade | Avg. EO units | CAS No. | HS code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ceteareth-20 | 20 | 68439-49-6 | 3402.42 |
| Ceteareth-40 you are here | 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-40 (CAS 68439-49-6) is a non-ionic surfactant formed by ethoxylating cetearyl alcohol (cetyl/stearyl alcohol) with about 40 moles of ethylene oxide. It is used as an emulsifier and surfactant in cosmetic and personal-care 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
Solutions Using This Product
Process-solution guides on this site that specify this chemistry:
- Cosmetic Emulsifiers & Stabilizers for Stable Creams (Beauty & Personal Care)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ceteareth-40 used for?
Ceteareth-40 (CAS 68439-49-6) is a non-ionic surfactant used as an oil-in-water emulsifier for creams and lotions, as a surfactant and cleansing agent in personal care, and as a solubilizer for oils and oil-soluble actives in cosmetic formulations.
What is Ceteareth-40 made of?
It is formed by ethoxylating cetearyl alcohol (a cetyl/stearyl alcohol blend) with about 40 moles of ethylene oxide. This high degree of ethoxylation gives a hydrophilic non-ionic surfactant classified under HS 3402.42, supplied here in solid form.
How does Ceteareth-40 differ from Ceteareth-20?
The number is the average moles of ethylene oxide; Ceteareth-40 is more highly ethoxylated than Ceteareth-20, giving it a higher HLB and stronger solubilizing/hydrophilic character. Both share CAS 68439-49-6; choose by the HLB and solubilizing power your formulation needs.
What does Ceteareth-40 do as a solubilizer?
Its high ethoxylation makes it effective at bringing oils and oil-soluble actives into aqueous or surfactant systems, in addition to its role as an O/W emulsifier and cleansing surfactant. Use level depends on the oil load; refer to the technical data sheet.
How is Ceteareth-40 solid packaged and documented for bulk orders?
It is supplied as a solid (flake or pastille) in bags and drums, with a Certificate of Analysis and Safety Data Sheet (SDS) provided per lot. Contact us with your volume requirement for a bulk quote.
What is the REACH and TSCA regulatory status of Ceteareth-40?
Ceteareth-40 (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).