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CETEARETH-16 is the polyethylene glycol ether of cetearyl alcohol.
CETEARETH-16 is typically sold as odorless white flakes. Ceteareth ingredients are chemically alkyl PEG (polyethylene glycol) ethers and can be found in skin care products, moisturizers, hair conditioners, suntan, and indoor tanning products, as well as hair dyes, colors, and tints.
CETEARETH-16 is difficult to determine the molecular weights and physical properties of ceteareth ingredients as they are the mixtures of two molecules in unknown ratios.
CAS Number: 68439-49-6
Molecular Formula: C18H38O
Molecular Weight: 0
EINECS Number: 939-518-5
Synonyms: Alcohols, C16-18, ethoxylated, Alcohols, C16-18, ethoxylated, (E)-18-ethoxyoctadec-3-ene, Alcohols C16-18, ethoxylated, Alcohols, C16-18 (even numbered), ethoxylated (1 - 2.5 moles EO), Alcohols, C16-18 ethoxylated, Alcohols, C16-18, 2EO, ALCOHOLS, C16-18, ETHOXYLATED, Alcohols, C16-18, ethoxylated, Alcohols, C16-18, ethoxylated (CTS) (MAN), ALCOHOLS, C16-18, ETHOXYLATED (EO=6, 11 + 20), Alcohols, C16-18, ethoxylated, 5-20 EO, Alkyl alcohol ethoxylate, alpha-(C16-C18 Alkyl) omega-Hydroxy Poly(EO), C16-18 alcohols, ethoxylated, C16-18 alcohols, ethoxylated (6 mol EO average molar ratio), C16-18 alcohols, ethoxylated(?), C16~18 fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene ether, CSA 06, CSA 11, CSA 20, CSA 25, CSA 30, CSA 80, Ethoxtlated fatty alcohol, Fatty alcohol ethoxylate, Polyethylene cetostearyl ether, Alcohols, C16-18, ethoxylated, Alcools en C16-18 éthoxylés, Alfol 1618 + 14 EO; 14-EO; 100% Active Matter; active substance, Alfonic 1618-46, Alfonic 1618-62, Alfonic 1618-80, Alkohole, C16-18, ethoxyliert, Alkyl polyglycol ether C16-18 with EO, Alkyl Polyglykolether C16-18 mit EO, Atlas G-4822; 12-EO, Berol 07, Berol TVM 065; 10-EO; 100% Active Matter; active substance, BF 4324; 20-EO, C16-18 alcohols, ethoxylated, C16-18 alcs., ethoxylated, C16-18 fatty alcs., ethoxylated, C16-18 Fettalkohol + 50 EO; 50-EO, C16-18, ethoxylated alcs., C16/18-Fettalkohol + 14 EO; 14-EO, C16/18-Fettalkohol + 6 EO; 6-EO, Cemulsol DB, Ceteareth, Ceteareth 20, Ceteareth 20 (INCI), Ceteareth Series, Ceteareth-10, Ceteareth-10 (INCI), Ceteareth-100, Ceteareth-100 (INCI), Ceteareth-11, Ceteareth-11 (INCI), Ceteareth-12, Ceteareth-12 (INCI), Ceteareth-13, Ceteareth-13 (INCI), Dehydol PTA 23; 25-EO, DEHYDOL PTA 40; 40-EO, Dehydol PTA 80/E; 25-EO, Dispercoll U VP KA 8758; 2-EO, DISPONIL 21 GESCH; 20-EO, Disponil 21 Geschuppt; 20-EO; 100% Active Matter; active substance, Disponil 21; 20-EO, Disponil B 1; 12-EO; 100% Active Matter; active substance, Disponil B 2; 20-EO, DISPONIL B 3 GESCH; 30-EO, Disponil B 3 geschuppt; 30-EO, Disponil B 3; 30-EO, EMPILAN K M 20; 20-EO, Empilan KM 11, Empilan KM 15, Empilan KM 20, Empilan KM 25; 25-EO, Emulgator E 2209; 30-EO, Emulgin B 1, Emulgin B2, Ethal CSA 10, Ethal CSA 17, Ethoxylated alcohols, C16-18, Ethoxylated C16-18 alcs., Ethoxylated cetostearyl alcohol, Eumulgin, EUMULGIN 535; 6-EO; 100% Active Matter; active substance, Eumulgin B 1, EUMULGIN B 1 FEST; 12-EO, EUMULGIN B 1 FL.; 12-EO; 100% Active Matter; active substance, EUMULGIN B 1 U; 12-EO, Eumulgin B 1 Vorprodukt; 12-EO, Eumulgin B 1; 12-EO; 100% Active Matter; active substance, Eumulgin B 2, EUMULGIN B 2 GESCHUPPT; 20-EO; 98% Active Matter; active substance, EUMULGIN B 2 U GESCHUPPT; 20-EO, EUMULGIN B 2 U W; 20-EO, EUMULGIN B 2 U; 20-EO, Eumulgin B 2 Vorprodukt; 20-EO, Eumulgin B 2; 20-EO; 100% Active Matter; active substance, Eumulgin B 3, Eumulgin B 3 flaked; 30-EO, EUMULGIN B 3 FLS; 30-EO, Eumulgin B 3 gesch.; 30-EO, Eumulgin B 3 geschuppt; 30-EO, EUMULGIN B 3 U; 30-EO, Eumulgin B 3 Vorprodukt; 30-EO, EUMULGIN B 3; 30-EO; 100% Active Matter; active substance, EUMULGIN B-2 FLAKES; 20-EO, EUMULGIN B2 FLAKED; 20-EO, Eumulgin C 1000, Eumulgin C 700, Eumulgin CS 3, Eumulgin CS 6; 6-EO, Eumulgin D 2; 2-EO, Eumulgin KJ-10, F 568; 20-EO, FA + 12 EO, C16-18; 12-EO, FA + 14 EO, Talg C16-18; 14-EO, FA + 20 EO, C16-18; 20-EO, FA + 25 EO, C16-18; 25-EO, FA + 30 EO, C16-18; 30-EO, FA + 5 EO, Talg C16-18; 5-EO, FA + 50 EO, C16-18 (gemahlen); 50-EO, FA + 6 EO, C16-18; 6-EO, FA + 80 EO, Talg; 80-EO, FA, C16-18, + 8 EO; 8-EO, FA-C16-18 + EO, FA-C16-18, ethoxylated, FA-C16-18, ethoxyliert, FAEO C16-18 + 10EO (NRE); 10-EO (NRE), FAEO C16-18 + 10EO; 10-EO, FAEO C16-18 + 11EO; 11-EO, FAEO C16-18 + 12EO; 12-EO, FAEO C16-18 + 13EO; 13-EO, FAEO C16-18 + 14EO; 14-EO, FAEO C16-18 + 15EO; 15-EO, FAEO C16-18 + 16EO; 16-EO, FAEO C16-18 + 20EO; 20-EO, FAEO C16-18 + 25EO; 25-EO, FAEO C16-18 + 26EO; 26-EO, FAEO C16-18 + 2EO; 2-EO, FAEO C16-18 + 30EO; 30-EO, FAEO C16-18 + 33EO; 33-EO, FAEO C16-18 + 3EO; 3-EO, FAEO C16-18 + 40EO; 40-EO, FAEO C16-18 + 4EO; 4-EO, FAEO C16-18 + 50EO; 50-EO, FAEO C16-18 + 5EO; 5-EO, FAEO C16-18 + 6EO; 6-EO, FAEO C16-18 + 80EO; 80-EO, FAEO C16-18 + 8EO; 8-EO, FAEO C16-18 + 9EO; 9-EO, FAEO C16-18 + nEO; n-EO, Fatty alcs., C16-18, ethoxylated, Fettalkohol+3-EO; 3-EO, Fettalkohol-C16/18-30 EO, Fettalkohole, C16-18 + EO, Fettalkohole, C16-18, ethoxyliert, Findet 1618 A 72 P; 60-EO, G 3816, Genapol T 080; 8-EO, GENAPOL T 110 FLS; 11-EO, Genapol T 110; 11-EO, Genapol T 250 P; 25-EO, Genapol T 250; 25-EO, Genapol T 500 gemahlen; 50-EO, Genapol T 500 P; 50-EO, Genapol T 500; 50-EO, Genapol T-250 Pulver; 25-EO, Genapol T-500 Pulver; 50-EO, Genapol T-800; 80-EO, GENAPOL TP 1653 M-2, Hostacerin T 3, Hydrenol D + 10 EO (NRE); 10-EO (NRE); 100% Active Matter; active substance, Hydrenol D + 10 EO; 10-EO; 100% Active Matter; active substance, Imbentin AG 168/060, Imbentin AG 168/090, Imbentin AG 168/200, Imbentin AG 168S030, Imbentin AG 168S110, Imbentin AG 168S300, INTERMEDIO KJ-73; 20-EO, INTERMEDIO KJ-74; 30-EO, CETEARETH-6, 68439-49-6, BRIJ CS6, CETEARETH 6, CETEARETH 6 [VANDF], CETEARETH-6 [INCI], MACROGOL 6 CETOSTEARYL ETHER, PEG-6 CETYL/STEARYL ETHER, POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL 300 CETYL/STEARYL ETHER, PROCOL CS-6, 2RJS3559D3
CETEARETH-16 is a non-ionic emulsifier and surfactant.
CETEARETH-16 is a member of the Ceteareth family of fatty alcohol ethoxylates, which are produced by reacting a mixture of cetyl (C16) and stearyl (C18) alcohols with a defined number of ethylene oxide units.
In the case of CETEARETH-16, the molecule contains, on average, 16 ethylene oxide groups attached to the fatty alcohol backbone, which makes it both oil-compatible (lipophilic) and water-compatible (hydrophilic).
This dual nature allows CETEARETH-16 to act as a very effective non-ionic surfactant and emulsifier, helping otherwise immiscible substances like oils, waxes, and water to blend into a uniform and stable formulation.
Because the chain length of ethoxylation directly influences its solubility and performance, CETEARETH-16 has a balanced hydrophilic–lipophilic profile, making it particularly well-suited for oil-in-water emulsions that require stability and good sensory properties.
CETEARETH-16 is a very versatile emulsifier.
CETEARETH-16 also helps to keep ingredients soluble within a formula, allowing them to remain dispersed evenly throughout an emulsion.
CETEARETH-16 liquids to waxy solids. In cosmetics and personal care products, Ceteareth ingredients are used in skin care products, moisturizers, hair conditioners, suntan and indoor tanning products and hair dyes, colors, and tints.
CETEARETH-16 is a nonionic emulsifier that is the 25-mole ethoxylate of a blend of cetyl and stearyl alcohols.
CETEARETH-16 is an oil-in-water emulsifier that is used for the production of ointments, creams, liquid emulsions, gels and other cosmetic formulations.
CETEARETH-16 is supplied in the form of free-flowing, non-dusting micro-granules, and is an efficient protective colloid that can increase the stability of dispersed systems.
CETEARETH-16 is used as an emulsifier in oil/water emulsions.
CETEARETH-16 is compatible with all kinds of oils & active ingredients, is a very effective protective colloid that stabilizes all kinds of dispersed systems, and can be combined with other emulsifiers, optimal use with gel-forming thickeners.
CETEARETH-16 is a fatty alcohol that functions as an emulsifier and surfactant in cosmetics.
CETEARETH-16 also helps to keep ingredients soluble within a formula, allowing them to remain dispersed evenly throughout an emulsion.
CETEARETH-16 is a non-ionic emulsifier obtained by addition of natural saturated fatty alcohol and ethylene oxide.
CETEARETH-16 is chemical formula is C18H38O.
CETEARETH-16 is a fatty alcohol that functions as an emulsifier and surfactant in cosmetics.
CETEARETH-16 may be plant- or animal-derived or made synthetically (Paula’s Choice Skincare uses the synthetic and plant-derived types).
CETEARETH-16 to -18, and Ceteareth-22, help to form emulsions by reducing the surface tension of the substances to be emulsified.
CETEARETH-16 is also used to decrease the thickness of liquid cosmetics and personal care products.
CETEARETH-16 to -40 help other ingredients to dissolve in a solvent in which they would not normally dissolve, and along with Ceteareths-50 to -100, clean the skin and hair by helping water to mix with oil and dirt so that these substances can be rinsed away.
CETEARETH-16 is a non-ionic polyoxyethylene ether of higher saturated fatty alcohols (cetyl/stearyl alcohol).
HLB value 16 (gives oil-in-water emulsions), universal emulsifier to make o/w emulsions.
Compatible with all kinds of oils & active ingredients very effective protective colloid that stabilizes all kinds of dispersed systems.
Can be combined with other emulsifiers optimal use with gel-forming thickeners.
Compared to ceteareth-20, CETEARETH-16 has a bit more gel-forming and thickening properties.
Boiling point: 330-400℃ at 101kPa
Density: 0.87g/cm3 at 21℃
vapor pressure: 0-5Pa at 20℃
Flash point: 243℃
solubility: H2O: 1 g/10 mL, clear, colorless
form: Notspecified
Odor: at 100.00?%. mild waxy
LogP: 5.91-8.43 at 22-25℃ and pH5.25-7
Surface tension: 67.5mN/m at 6.6mg/L and 25℃
EWG's Food Scores: 1-3
Non-ionic polyoxyethylene ether of higher saturated fatty alcohols (cetyl/stearyl alcohol).
CETEARETH-16 value 16 (gives oil-in-water emulsions).
Acts as an emulsifier, cleanser and wetting agent.
CETEARETH-16 offers high solubility. Ceteareth-30 finds application in formulating moisturizers, lotions, hair conditioners, hair pomades and much more.
In cosmetics and personal care products, CETEARETH-16 is primarily used in creams, lotions, hair conditioners, and pharmaceutical creams, where it not only stabilizes the mixture but also provides a smooth, elegant, and non-greasy texture.
Compared with lower ethoxylation numbers (such as Ceteareth-6 or -10), CETEARETH-16 is more hydrophilic, which means it disperses more easily in water and is therefore better at incorporating oils and fragrances into aqueous systems.
CETEARETH-16 is a free-flowing, non-dusting microbead with an HLB of 15-17.
CETEARETH-16 dissolves in water and alcohol to form a colloid or a clear solution.
CETEARETH-16 is soluble in vegetable and mineral fats and oils, as well as with fatty alcohols, fatty acids, mono- and di- stearates, and with polyethylene glycols.
CETEARETH-16 can appear as a white, waxy solid or flakes, and it is typically soluble in water to a certain degree, depending on formulation.
In cosmetics, it is often combined with lower-EO ceteareths or other surfactants to fine-tune the texture, viscosity, and stability of the final product.
From a regulatory and safety perspective, CETEARETH-16 is generally considered safe for topical use in rinse-off and leave-on products, although, like other ethoxylated alcohols, it should not be applied to damaged or broken skin due to the potential presence of trace impurities such as 1,4-dioxane, which must be carefully removed during manufacturing.
CETEARETH-16 is part of the ceteareth series, which are named according to the average number of ethylene oxide (EO) units attached to a mixture of cetyl (C16) and stearyl (C18) alcohols.
In the case of CETEARETH-16, the "23" refers to an average of 23 EO groups.
The high degree of ethoxylation makes the molecule strongly hydrophilic, meaning it has a much greater attraction to water compared to lower-numbered ceteareths such as Ceteareth-6 or CETEARETH-16.
CETEARETH-16 can be used with a wide range of polarities, preferably in combination with Ceteareth-6 (and) Stearyl Alcohol to produce creams or lotions.
CETEARETH-16 is typically used at 1-5%.
CETEARETH-16 is a surfactant made from cetearyl alcohol, which can be derived from animals (not used by ecostore), synthetically produced, or made from plants oils such as coconut and palm.
CETEARETH-16 is a derivative based on renewable vegetable raw materials and is used mainly in cosmetic and detergent applications.
CETEARETH-16 is a very efficient protective colloid and can increase the stability of dispersed systems.
CETEARETH-16 forms gel-like, brushable hydrates with water
CETEARETH-16 is a non-ionic polyoxyethylene ether of higher saturated fatty alcohols (cetyl/stearyl alcohol).
CETEARETH-16 is available as a white, waxy solid.
CETEARETH-16 is commonly used in cosmetic and personal care products that adhere to industry standards for stability, safety, and performance.
CETEARETH-16 is favored for its versatility and compatibility with a wide range of other cosmetic ingredients.
The versatility of CETEARETH-16 makes it suitable for both rinse-off and leave-on products.
CETEARETH-16 may be found in shampoos (rinse-off) as well as in creams or lotions (leave-on).
CETEARETH-16 and Ceteareth-20 is a cosmetic raw material, with decontamination and emulsifying capacity.
CETEARETH-16 a nonionic emulsifier, suitable to obtain O/W cream and lotions,also can be used in hair conditioning products, anti-perspirants.
CETEARETH-16 is universal emulsifier to make o/w emulsions.
CETEARETH-16 is compatible with all kinds of oils & active ingredients.
CETEARETH-16 is very effective protective colloid that stabilizes all kinds of dispersed systems.
Uses Of CETEARETH-16:
CETEARETH-16 makes the color firm, bright and beautiful.
CETEARETH-16 is often part of a broader mixture of emulsifiers and surfactants within a cosmetic formulation.
CETEARETH-16 is widely used in creams and lotions, foundation and sunscreens.
CETEARETH-16 is used as a solubilizing agent, emulsifier, cleansing agent, and surfactant in personal care.
CETEARETH-16 is primarily used as an emulsifying agent.
CETEARETH-16 is a polymer used in cosmetics formulations.
CETEARETH-16 is most commonly used in creams, lotions, and serums where it plays the key role of combining oil and water into a stable emulsion.
Because it contains 16 ethylene oxide units, it is hydrophilic enough to disperse easily in water while still maintaining affinity for oils, which allows manufacturers to create smooth, white emulsions that stay uniform over time instead of separating into layers.
Beyond simple emulsification, CETEARETH-16 contributes to the long-term stability of emulsions, meaning that creams and lotions remain homogeneous even when stored for months or exposed to moderate temperature fluctuations.
This property is especially important for commercial products that must stay stable on store shelves and in consumers’ homes without visible separation or graininess.
CETEARETH-16 is used in hair care formulations such as conditioners, masks, and leave-in creams, where it helps incorporate conditioning oils, silicones, and other active ingredients evenly into the product.
By keeping oil-soluble and water-soluble components properly dispersed, it ensures that hair treatments provide consistent detangling, softness, and shine when applied, while also preventing a greasy or heavy texture.
While not as strongly hydrophilic as Ceteareth-23, CETEARETH-16 is still effective at dispersing essential oils, botanical extracts, and fragrance molecules into water-based systems.
This means it can be included in products such as body creams, sunscreens, or aftershaves, where fragrance oils need to be solubilized to prevent cloudiness, separation, or uneven scent distribution.
CETEARETH-16 is also widely used in medicated topical formulations, where its role is not only to stabilize the cream but also to ensure that active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) are evenly distributed throughout the formulation.
This even distribution is critical because it guarantees that the user receives the correct dose of the medication with each application, while the smooth texture provided by CETEARETH-16 improves patient compliance and comfort.
Because many sunscreens contain a mix of lipid-soluble UV filters and water-soluble humectants, they require strong emulsifiers to remain stable.
CETEARETH-16 is often used in these formulations to keep both oil- and water-phase ingredients uniformly mixed, which in turn helps provide consistent UV protection and an elegant, non-greasy feel on the skin.
CETEARETH-16 is sometimes included in facial cleansers, makeup removers, and body washes as a co-surfactant, where it assists in dispersing oily residues, dirt, and makeup into the water phase so they can be rinsed away more easily.
This makes cleansing formulations milder and more effective at balancing oil removal with skin comfort.
CETEARETH-16 helps blend water and oil-based ingredients in cosmetic formulations, preventing them from separating.
This property is crucial in the production of creams, lotions, and other emulsion-based products.
CETEARETH-16 is often found in the formulation of creams and lotions, where the goal is to create a stable and well-textured product that combines the benefits of both water and oil components.
CETEARETH-16 is commonly found in various skin care products, including cleansers, moisturizers, and serums.
CETEARETH-16 contributes to the formulation's stability, texture, and ease of application on the skin.
CETEARETH-16 can be present in a wide range of cosmetic formulations, contributing to the overall sensory experience of the product, such as its smoothness, spreadability, and absorption.
CETEARETH-16 can be used as a wetting agent in the textile industry.
CETEARETH-16 can be used as a component of emulsifiers in the pesticide industry.
CETEARETH-16 is used in the printing and dyeing industry as a leveling agent, retarding agent.
CETEARETH-16 is used in a wide variety of products such as lotions, moisturizers, sunscreens, conditioners, hair masks, medicated creams, and cleansers because it functions as a reliable emulsifier, stabilizer, and solubilizer.
Its ability to create smooth, stable, and elegant emulsions improves not only the technical performance of the product but also the user’s sensory experience, making creams less greasy, conditioners lighter, and sunscreens more cosmetically pleasant.
Safety Profile Of CETEARETH-16:
CETEARETH-16 is generally regarded as safe in low to moderate concentrations, but at higher levels or in poorly formulated products it may cause mild skin and eye irritation.
This irritation risk is higher if the ingredient is left on the skin in high concentrations without being properly blended into a stable formulation, since raw emulsifiers can disrupt the natural lipid barrier of the skin.
Like other members of the Ceteareth family, CETEARETH-16 can act as a penetration enhancer, meaning it can increase the permeability of the skin to other substances.
While this is useful for delivering beneficial active ingredients, it also means that if harmful contaminants such as residual solvents, heavy metals, or other toxic chemicals are present in the formulation, CETEARETH-16 could increase their absorption through the skin, posing a greater health risk.
CETEARETH-16 is manufactured through a process called ethoxylation, which may leave behind trace contaminants such as 1,4-dioxane, a compound that is classified as a potential human carcinogen.
Reputable manufacturers typically use purification steps, such as vacuum stripping, to reduce these contaminants to safe levels, but poorly purified raw materials could pose a risk if used in cosmetics or pharmaceuticals.
