Emollient

Ceteareth-20

Non-ionic emulsifier based on cetearyl alcohol and 20 moles of ethylene oxide — a classic O/W emulsifier for stable creams and lotions. Together with Cetearyl Alcohol (or on its own) forms the basis of most classic cosmetic emulsions.

O/W emulsifiernon-ionicclassic creamscetearyl derivative

⚠ Use with Caution

Comedogenic Rating

2/5

Irritation Potential

3/5

What is it?

Ceteareth-20 — a mixture of polyethylene glycol ethers of cetyl (C16) and stearyl (C18) alcohols with 20 moles of ethylene oxide. HLB ~15. Solid or semi-solid at room temperature (melts at ~45–50°C). Well soluble in water when heated. Most often used in combination with Cetearyl Alcohol (fatty part, HLB ~1) according to the HLB-matching system for O/W emulsions. Self-emulsifying at low concentrations of fats. Similar to Ceteareth-12 (less hydrophilic) and Ceteareth-30 (more hydrophilic). Obtained from plant fatty alcohols + chemical ethoxylation.

Classic moisturizing creams and lotions, SPF products and day creams, body lotions for mass market, cream bases for active ingredients.

Key Benefits

✦

Reliable O/W emulsifier for stable cream formulations

Ceteareth-20 is one of the most reliable and easy-to-use O/W emulsifiers: in combination with Cetearyl Alcohol (the 'emulsifier + co-emulsifier' pair) it forms stable cream emulsions with a long shelf life. This classic pair has been used in cosmetics for over 50 years with an excellent safety profile and predictable results. A standard for cream production in mass market and pharmacy cosmetics.

◈

Wide compatibility with active ingredients

The non-ionic nature of Ceteareth-20 ensures compatibility with virtually all active ingredients: acids (AHA, BHA, ascorbic), vitamins, peptides, UV filters. Does not interact with cationic or anionic components, does not alter their effectiveness. This makes it a 'universal emulsifier' for any type of formulation — from a simple moisturizer to a complex multi-active product.

✧

Stability across a wide range of conditions

Ceteareth-20 is stable at pH 3–11 and does not degrade at a wide range of storage temperatures. Not sensitive to the presence of electrolytes (salts) in the formulation. Stable in the presence of preservatives. Due to these properties, it does not limit the formulator's choice of other components and provides reliable results even with changes in production conditions.

Suitable for

all skin typesclassic cream formulationsmass market and pharmacy cosmetics

Main Actions

✓ O/W emulsification✓ stabilization of cream textures✓ wide compatibility with actives

Ceteareth-20 and PEG components: safety

Ceteareth-20 contains polyethylene glycol (PEG) chains. In the context of clean beauty: some consumers avoid PEG derivatives due to theoretical concerns about 1,4-dioxane (a manufacturing process contaminant). Quality cosmetic Ceteareth-20 is purified from this contaminant. SCCS (EU) confirmed safety. For PEG-free formulations: alternatives include Montanov 68 (cetearyl alcohol + cetearyl glucoside) or Emulium Mellifera.

CategoryEmollients

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