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Ceteareth-13 is used in conditioners and treatments to improve texture, softness, and manageability of hair.
Ceteareth-13 acts as a mild solubilizer and co-emulsifier in facial cleansers, shampoos, and body washes.
Ceteareth-13 helps distribute UV filters, botanical oils, and therapeutic agents evenly across the skin.
CAS Number: 68439-49-6
EC Number: 500-212-8
Chem/IUPAC Name: C16-18 alcohols, ethoxylated (13 mol EO average molar ratio)
Molecular Formula: C₁₉H₄₀O₆
Molecular Weight: Approximately 356.5 g/mol
SYNONYMS:
Ceteareth-13, C16-18 alcohols, ethoxylated (13 EO), PEG-13 cetyl/stearyl ether, Polyoxyethylene (13) Cetearyl Ether, Cetyl/Stearyl Alcohol Polyethylene Glycol Ether (13 EO), Polyoxyethylene (13) Cetyl/Stearyl Ether, C16-18 Alcohol Ethoxylate (13 EO), PEG-13 Cetyl/Stearyl Ether, Ceteareth 13
Ceteareth-13 is a polyethylene glycol ether of Cetearyl Alcohol (q.v.).
Ceteareth-13 is a non-ionic surfactant and emulsifier derived from the ethoxylation of a natural mixture of fatty alcohols (cetyl and stearyl alcohols).
With 13 ethylene oxide (EO) units, Ceteareth-13 sits in the middle range of the Ceteareth family, offering a balanced hydrophilic-lipophilic profile.
This makes Ceteareth-13 especially valuable in cosmetic and personal care formulations, where stability and mildness are essential.
Ceteareth-13 is commonly included in emulsions that require both good spreadability and a pleasant skin feel.
USES and APPLICATIONS of CETEARETH-13:
Cosmetic Creams & Lotions: Ceteareth-13 stabilizes oil-in-water emulsions, ensuring oils, waxes, and active ingredients are evenly dispersed.
Hair Care Products: Ceteareth-13 is used in conditioners and treatments to improve texture, softness, and manageability of hair.
Cleansing Formulations: Ceteareth-13 acts as a mild solubilizer and co-emulsifier in facial cleansers, shampoos, and body washes.
Sun Care & Skin Treatments: Ceteareth-13 helps distribute UV filters, botanical oils, and therapeutic agents evenly across the skin.
Pharmaceutical / Dermatological Bases: Ceteareth-13 serves as an excipient in topical creams and ointments, offering consistent delivery of active drugs.
Industrial Applications: Ceteareth-13 is occasionally used in textile, polish, and detergent formulations where a mild emulsifier is required.
Emulsifier / surfactant in cosmetic, personal care, and toiletry products: Ceteareth-13 helps stabilize emulsions (oil-in-water) by helping mix oil and water components.
Solubilizer or dispersing agent for waxes, oils, and wax-like substances; Ceteareth-13 helps incorporation of oil-soluble materials into semi-solid or fluid oil/water formulations.
Cleansing agent (when used in formulations like creams, lotions, possibly mild cleansers) uses of Ceteareth-13‒ less aggressive than high-EO surfactants; tends to provide milder cleaning, more conditioning.
Conditioning / skin feel modification: Ceteareth-13 contributes to texture, spreadability, emollience; tends to reduce greasiness of oils, improve lotion feel. (Generic for ethoxylated fatty alcohols.)
BENEFITS & CHARACTERISTICS of CETEARETH-13:
*Nonionic nature:
Ceteareth-13 is less likely to interact adversely with anionic or cationic ingredients; more stable in wide pH ranges.
*Moderate hydrophilicity (from ~13 EO units) gives a good balance:
Ceteareth-13 is enough water affinity to help emulsify, not overly water soluble or stripping.
*Good compatibility with other surfactants, emollients, and formulation additives.
*Milder on skin/hair compared with harsh surfactants or very low-EO ones; less irritation potential when used correctly.
*Texture and sensory improvement in creams, lotions, balms; Ceteareth-13 helps reduce oily or waxy feel; improves spread, reduces drag.
FUNCTION(S) of CETEARETH-13 IN COSMETIC PRODUCTS:
*SURFACTANT (EMULSIFICATION)
Ceteareth-13 enables the formation of finely dispersed mixtures of oil and water (emulsions)
*SURFACTANT (CLEANING)
Surfactant for cleaning skin, hair and/or teeth
FUNCTIONS of CETEARETH-13:
*Cleansing Agent,
*Emulsifier
BENEFITS of CETEARETH-13:
*Versatile Emulsifier:
Ceteareth-13 works effectively across a wide range of pH and with many oils, waxes, and active agents.
*Improves Sensory Qualities:
Ceteareth-13 reduces greasiness, enhances spreadability, and gives creams a smooth, elegant finish.
*Mild & Non-Ionic:
Less irritating compared with many anionic surfactants; suitable for sensitive skin formulations.
*Formulation Stability:
Ceteareth-13 enhances the long-term stability of emulsions, preventing separation during storage.
*Compatibility:
Ceteareth-13 blends easily with other surfactants (anionic, cationic, nonionic), making it useful in complex formulations.
KEY CHARACTERISTICS of CETEARETH-13:
*Balance of Hydrophilic and Lipophilic Nature:
With 13 EO units, Ceteareth-13 is hydrophilic enough to work in oil-in-water emulsions but still lipophilic enough to interact well with oils.
*Flexible in Formulations:
Ceteareth-13 can function as a primary emulsifier or as a co-emulsifier to support stronger systems.
*Enhances Active Delivery:
Ceteareth-13 helps solubilize oil-based actives (vitamins, botanical extracts, sunscreens), improving their distribution and bioavailability.
*Stability Under Formulation Conditions:
Ceteareth-13 tolerates heat during manufacturing, stable in presence of electrolytes, and works over a broad pH range.
*Safe Usage Profile:
Ceteareth-13 is widely accepted in cosmetics and personal care, typically used in concentrations of 0.5–5% depending on product type.
PHYSICAL and CHEMICAL PROPERTIES of CETEARETH-13:
CAS Number: 68439-49-6
EINECS/ELINCS No.: Not listed
Chemical Name: C16-18 alcohols, ethoxylated (13 mol EO average molar ratio)
Molecular Formula: C₁₉H₄₀O₆
Molecular Weight: Approximately 356.5 g/mol
Structure: Polyethylene glycol ether of cetyl/stearyl alcohol
Appearance: White to off-white waxy solid
Odor: Mild, characteristic odor
Melting Point: Approximately 50–60 °C
Boiling Point: Not applicable (decomposes before boiling)
Density: Approximately 0.91–0.93 g/cm³ at 25 °C
Solubility: Insoluble in water; soluble in alcohols and oils
Flash Point: Approximately 160 °C (closed cup)
Refractive Index: Approximately 1.45 at 40 °C
pH (1% aqueous solution): Approximately 6–7
HLB (Hydrophilic-Lipophilic Balance): Approximately 13–15 (indicative of emulsifying properties)
INCI Name: Ceteareth-13
Chemical Type: Non-ionic surfactant / ethoxylated fatty alcohol (C16–C18 alcohols ethoxylated with ~13 EO units)
CAS Number: 68439-49-6
EC / EINECS Number: 500-212-8
Appearance: Off-white to creamy waxy solid or pasty wax at ambient temperature; may be soft/waxy depending on EO content
Odor: Mild, characteristic of fatty alcohols / ethoxylates
Water Solubility: Partial solubility / dispersibility in water when heated or with aid of other emulsifiers; better solubility in oils or mixed oil/water systems (emulsions)
HLB / Surfactant Character: Moderate HLB (~13 EO units) — can act as emulsifier for oil-in-water systems, reduces interfacial tension, more hydrophilic than non-ethoxylated fatty alcohols
Melting Point / Physical State: Specific melting point not well documented; likely a soft wax or paste at room temperature
FIRST AID MEASURES of CETEARETH-13:
-Description of first-aid measures
*General advice:
Show this material safety data sheet to the doctor in attendance.
*If inhaled:
After inhalation:
Fresh air.
*In case of skin contact:
Take off immediately all contaminated clothing.
Rinse skin with
water/ shower.
*In case of eye contact:
After eye contact:
Rinse out with plenty of water.
Call in ophthalmologist.
Remove contact lenses.
*If swallowed:
After swallowing:
Immediately make victim drink water (two glasses at most).
Consult a physician.
-Indication of any immediate medical attention and special treatment needed.
No data available
ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES of CETEARETH-13:
-Environmental precautions:
Do not let product enter drains.
-Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up:
Cover drains.
Collect, bind, and pump off spills.
Observe possible material restrictions.
Take up dry.
Dispose of properly.
Clean up affected area.
FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES of CETEARETH-13:
-Extinguishing media:
*Suitable extinguishing media:
Carbon dioxide (CO2)
Foam
Dry powder
*Unsuitable extinguishing media:
For this substance/mixture no limitations of extinguishing agents are given.
-Further information:
Prevent fire extinguishing water from contaminating surface water or the ground water system.
EXPOSURE CONTROLS/PERSONAL PROTECTION of CETEARETH-13:
-Control parameters:
--Ingredients with workplace control parameters:
-Exposure controls:
--Personal protective equipment:
*Eye/face protection:
Use equipment for eye protection.
Safety glasses
*Body Protection:
protective clothing
*Respiratory protection:
Recommended Filter type: Filter A
-Control of environmental exposure:
Do not let product enter drains.
HANDLING and STORAGE of CETEARETH-13:
-Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities:
*Storage conditions:
Tightly closed.
Dry.
STABILITY and REACTIVITY of CETEARETH-13:
-Chemical stability:
The product is chemically stable under standard ambient conditions (room temperature).
-Possibility of hazardous reactions:
No data available
