What is Steareth-10 and how does it compare to other Steareth grades?
Steareth-10 (CAS 9005-00-9) is a nonionic stearyl (C18) alcohol ethoxylate carrying an average of 10 ethylene oxide units. Every Steareth grade shares the same stearyl alcohol backbone and differs only in average EO count. Steareth-10 sits at a moderate HLB and works as an oil-in-water emulsifier and co-emulsifier, while the higher-EO Steareth-20 is more hydrophilic and water-soluble. The grade ladder below compares the series by EO number.
STEARETH-10- ▸ Emulsifier: Stabilizes oil-in-water emulsions in cosmetic and industrial systems.
- ▸ Solubilizer and surfactant: Solubilizes oils and actives in formulated liquids.
- ▸ Industrial processing: Used in cleaning, coatings, construction, and textile chemistry.
- ▸ Wetting agent: Improves wetting in formulated systems.
| Grade | Avg. EO units | CAS No. | HS code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steareth-10 you are here | 10 | 9005-00-9 | 3402.42 |
| Steareth-20 | 20 | 9005-00-9 | 3402.42 |
How to choose: Both grades share the same C18 (stearyl) alcohol backbone and differ only in the average moles of ethylene oxide (EO). More EO raises the hydrophilic fraction, so HLB and water-dispersibility increase with the grade number: Steareth-10 (lower EO, moderate HLB) works as an oil-in-water emulsifier and co-emulsifier, while Steareth-20 (higher EO, higher HLB) is a strongly hydrophilic O/W emulsifier and solubilizer.
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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 →Steareth-10 (CAS 9005-00-9) is a polyethylene-glycol ether of stearyl alcohol, a nonionic surfactant. It is used as a surfactant and permeation enhancer, and in the manufacture of cosmetics, cleaning and laundry products, construction chemicals, coatings, and textiles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Steareth-10?
Steareth-10 (CAS 9005-00-9) is a nonionic surfactant, the polyethylene-glycol ether of stearyl alcohol with an average of 10 ethylene-oxide units. It functions as an emulsifier, solubilizer, wetting agent, and permeation enhancer. RawSource supplies it as a raw material for cosmetic and industrial formulation.
What does the '10' in Steareth-10 mean?
The number indicates the average number of ethylene-oxide (EO) units ethoxylated onto stearyl alcohol, here approximately 10. A higher EO number raises water solubility and HLB; Steareth-10 sits lower than Steareth-20, making it suited to different emulsion types. The exact distribution is documented on the CoA.
What is Steareth-10 used for?
It is used as an oil-in-water emulsifier and solubilizer in cosmetic and industrial systems, as a wetting agent, and across cleaning and laundry products, construction chemicals, coatings, and textiles. It is supplied as a raw material for downstream formulation.
What is the CAS number and HS code for Steareth-10?
Steareth-10 is CAS 9005-00-9 (shared across the steareth ethoxylate series, distinguished by EO number). It classifies under HS 3402.42, nonionic organic surface-active agents. CoA documents the grade and EO content per lot.
How is bulk Steareth-10 packaged?
RawSource supplies Steareth-10 in drums, totes, and other industrial packaging for manufacturers. MOQ and lead time depend on grade and volume. Request a bulk quote; CoA and SDS accompany each shipment.