CETEARETH-9- ▸ Emulsifier: Oil-in-water emulsifier for creams and lotions.
- ▸ Surfactant: Surfactant and cleansing agent in personal care.
- ▸ Solubilizer: Solubilizes oils and oil-soluble actives.
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.
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.