What is isoceteth-20 and what is it used for?
Isoceteth-20 (CAS 69364-63-2) is an ethoxylated branched-fatty-alcohol nonionic surfactant. It is used in cosmetic and personal-care formulations as an oil-in-water emulsifier, a solubilizer for oils and fragrances, and a wetting and dispersing surfactant.
- ▸ Emulsifier: nonionic oil-in-water emulsifier for cosmetic emulsions
- ▸ Solubilizer: solubilizing agent for oils and fragrances
- ▸ Surfactant: wetting and dispersing surfactant in personal care
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 →Isoceteth-20 (INCI Isoceteth-20; CAS 69364-63-2) is a nonionic surfactant — the polyethylene-glycol (20 EO) ether of isocetyl alcohol, a branched C16 alcohol. The 20 ethylene-oxide units make it strongly hydrophilic (high HLB), so it works as a water-soluble emulsifier, solubilizer and wetting agent, mainly in personal care and industrial cleaning formulations.
What is isoceteth-20?
Isoceteth-20 is an ethoxylated fatty alcohol: a branched isocetyl (C16) alcohol reacted with about 20 moles of ethylene oxide. The branched lipophilic tail plus the long hydrophilic PEG chain give a high-HLB nonionic surfactant that dissolves in water, lowers surface tension, and emulsifies and solubilizes oils. Branching tends to give good cold stability and a light feel versus straight-chain analogues.
Applications by sector
Personal care. Isoceteth-20 is an oil-in-water emulsifier and a solubilizer for fragrance, essential oils and oil-soluble actives in clear and emulsion systems, plus a wetting and cleansing aid. Household & industrial cleaning. The same surface activity makes it a wetting agent, emulsifier and detergency aid in cleaning formulations. Match the HLB and the rest of your surfactant system to the emulsion or solubilization you need.
Forms and grades
Supplied as a fluid or low-melting solid depending on temperature; confirm the active content and form on the RFQ. Related nonionic surfactants and emulsifiers are available across the line.
Handling and documentation
Each lot ships with a Certificate of Analysis (CoA); request the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for handling and physical-property data.
Bulk supply and RFQ
RawSource supplies isoceteth-20 in bulk to personal-care and cleaning formulators, with CoA and SDS per lot. Submit an RFQ with your target quantity and packaging for a current quote.
Typical Properties
Typical reference values, not a specification; the Certificate of Analysis (CoA) for the lot governs.
| Property | Typical Value |
|---|---|
| INCI Name | Isoceteth-20 |
| CAS Number | 69364-63-2 |
| Chemical type | Nonionic surfactant — PEG-20 ether of isocetyl alcohol (ethoxylated branched C16 alcohol) |
| Appearance | Clear liquid to low-melting solid (temperature-dependent) |
| Solubility | Water-soluble (high HLB) |
| Function | Emulsifier, solubilizer, wetting agent |
| Flammability / handling | Refer to the current SDS |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is isoceteth-20 used for?
Isoceteth-20 (CAS 69364-63-2) is a nonionic surfactant used as an oil-in-water emulsifier, a solubilizer for fragrance and oil-soluble actives, and a wetting agent in personal-care and cleaning formulations.
Is isoceteth-20 water soluble?
Yes — with about 20 ethylene-oxide units it is strongly hydrophilic (high HLB) and water-soluble, which is what lets it solubilize oils and fragrance into water-based systems.
What does the “20” mean in isoceteth-20?
It is the average number of ethylene-oxide (PEG) units on the isocetyl alcohol, which sets the hydrophilic/lipophilic balance and therefore the emulsifying and solubilizing behavior.
What is the CAS number of isoceteth-20?
Isoceteth-20 is CAS 69364-63-2. As an ethoxylate it is a defined-average material; the CoA documents active content and grade.
How is bulk isoceteth-20 supplied and quoted?
RawSource supplies it in bulk with CoA and SDS per lot. Pricing is quote-based on grade, volume and packaging; submit an RFQ with your target quantity.
Disclaimer. Information on this page — including chemical properties, identifiers, hazard, transport (DOT/UN) and tariff (HS) classifications, and applications — is provided for general reference and is compiled from authoritative public sources (e.g. PubChem). Values are typical and are not a guaranteed specification; the Certificate of Analysis (CoA) for the lot you purchase governs. Products are sold for industrial and professional use only. Nothing here is a medical, health, or efficacy claim, or advice. Always consult the current Safety Data Sheet (SDS) before handling, storage, transport or disposal, and confirm regulatory status, classification and suitability for your application and jurisdiction. Hazard, transport and tariff classifications must be verified for your specific shipment. RawSource makes no warranty, express or implied, and assumes no liability for use of this information.