What is Steareth-20 and how does it compare to other Steareth grades?
Steareth-20 (CAS 9005-00-9) is a nonionic stearyl (C18) alcohol ethoxylate with an average of 20 ethylene oxide units. Its high EO content gives it a high HLB, so it acts as a hydrophilic oil-in-water emulsifier and solubilizer. Compared with the lower-EO Steareth-10, Steareth-20 is more water-soluble and better suited to solubilizing oils into aqueous systems. The grade ladder below compares the Steareth series by EO number.
STEARETH-20- ▸ O/W emulsifier: Emulsifies oil-in-water systems.
- ▸ Solubilizer: Brings sparingly soluble materials into solution.
- ▸ Surfactant: Wetting and emulsion stabilization.
| Grade | Avg. EO units | CAS No. | HS code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steareth-10 | 10 | 9005-00-9 | 3402.42 |
| Steareth-20 you are here | 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.
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 →Steareth-20 (INCI Steareth-20; CAS 9005-00-9) is a nonionic emulsifier — stearyl (C18) alcohol ethoxylated with about 20 units of ethylene oxide. The 20 EO units make it strongly hydrophilic (high HLB), so it is a water-soluble oil-in-water emulsifier and solubilizer for creams, lotions and surfactant systems.
What is steareth-20?
It is an ethoxylated fatty alcohol: a stearyl chain with ~20 ethylene-oxide units. The long hydrophilic chain gives a high HLB, so steareth-20 emulsifies oils into water and solubilizes lipophilic ingredients. It is typically paired with a low-HLB co-emulsifier (such as steareth-2) to build a stable emulsifier system.
Applications by sector
Personal care. A primary oil-in-water emulsifier and solubilizer in creams, lotions, cleansers and hair conditioners, often combined with a low-HLB partner. Household & industrial. An emulsifier, wetting agent and solubilizer in cleaning and process formulations. Match the HLB pairing to the emulsion you need.
Forms and grades
Supplied as a waxy solid/flake; confirm grade on the RFQ. Related nonionic emulsifiers: isoceteth-20.
Handling and documentation
Each lot ships with a Certificate of Analysis (CoA); request the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for handling data.
Bulk supply and RFQ
RawSource supplies steareth-20 in bulk to personal-care and cleaning formulators, with CoA and SDS per lot. Submit an RFQ with your grade and target quantity.
Typical Properties
Typical reference values, not a specification; the Certificate of Analysis (CoA) for the lot governs.
| Property | Typical Value |
|---|---|
| INCI Name | Steareth-20 |
| CAS Number | 9005-00-9 |
| Chemical type | Nonionic surfactant — PEG-20 stearyl ether (ethoxylated C18 alcohol) |
| Appearance | Waxy solid / flake |
| Solubility | Water-soluble (high HLB) |
| Function | O/W emulsifier; solubilizer |
| Flammability / handling | Refer to the current SDS |
Regulatory & registration requirements
- TSCA (US):
- REACH (EU):
- EC number: 500-017-8
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
Frequently Asked Questions
What is steareth-20 used for?
Steareth-20 (CAS 9005-00-9) is a high-HLB nonionic emulsifier used as a primary oil-in-water emulsifier and solubilizer in creams, lotions, cleansers and conditioners, and as an emulsifier/wetting agent in cleaning formulations.
What does the “20” in steareth-20 mean?
It is the average number of ethylene-oxide units on the stearyl alcohol, which sets the high hydrophilic/lipophilic balance and therefore its strong oil-in-water emulsifying power.
Is steareth-20 used with a co-emulsifier?
Usually yes — it is commonly paired with a low-HLB partner (such as steareth-2) to form a balanced, stable emulsifier system.
What is the CAS of steareth-20?
It is CAS 9005-00-9. As an ethoxylate it is a defined-average material supplied to a grade; the CoA documents each lot.
How is bulk steareth-20 supplied and quoted?
RawSource supplies it as a waxy solid/flake in bulk with CoA and SDS per lot. Pricing is quote-based on grade and volume; submit an RFQ with your target quantity.
What is the REACH and TSCA regulatory status of Steareth-20?
Steareth-20 (CAS 9005-00-9) 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 500-017-8).