PRODUCTS

CETEARETH-18

Ceteareth-18 is also used as an emulsifier in emulsion polymerization for the production of aqueous acrylic and PVA dispersions, which in turn are used in the formulation of adhesives, paints, as well as in construction.
Ceteareth-18 has a wide range of applications, mainly as an oil-in-water (O/W) emulsifier.
Ceteareth-18 can be used in cosmetic emulsions (e.g. hair conditioners, lotions) and colouring cosmetics (hair dyes and face and body make-up).

CAS Number: 68439-49-6
EC Number: 500-212-8
Chemical / IUPAC-type Description: Alcohols C16-18, ethoxylated (18 mol EO average) — i.e. a mixture of cetyl/stearyl alcohols reacted with ~18 units of ethylene oxide
Molecular Formula: C₁₆₋₁₈H₃₄₋₆₆O₁₈
Molecular Weight: Approximately 1,000 – 1,200 g/mol

SYNONYMS:
Alcohols C16-18, ethoxylated, Ceteareth-18, Polyoxyethylene glycol ether of cetearyl alcohol, PEG-18 Cetearyl alcohol, Polyoxy Cetearyl Alcohol, alcohols C16-18 ethoxylated (peg-18), C16-18 alcohols, ethoxylated (18 mol EO average molar ratio), hetoxol CS-18, peg-18 cetyl/stearyl ether, polyethylene glycol (18) cetyl/stearyl ether, polyoxyethylene (18) cetyl/stearyl alcohol ether, polyoxyethylene (18) cetyl/stearyl ether

Ceteareth-18 is part of the broader “Ceteareth” family — non-ionic ethoxylated fatty alcohol surfactants/emulsifiers.
The “18” indicates an average of ~18 ethylene oxide units attached to the fatty alcohol (cetyl/stearyl).
Because of its chemical structure, Ceteareth-18 behaves as a non-ionic surfactant with strong emulsifying / dispersing qualities.

Ceteareth-18 is a polyethylene glycol ether of Cetearyl Alcohol (q.v.).
Ceteareth-18 belongs to non-ionic surfactants from the group of ethoxylated fatty alcohols, INCI name: Ceteareth-18.
Ceteareth-18 is based on high molecular alcohol of natural origin.

Ceteareth-18 is produced in the form of white wax.
Ceteareth-18 has excellent emulsifying and dispersing properties.
The hydrophilic-lyophilic balance (HLB) value of Ceteareth-18 is 16.3, which places it in the group of hydrophilic emulsifiers.

Ceteareth-18 is highly soluble in water.
At room temperature Ceteareth-18 is in solid form, therefore hot water is recommended in order to accelerate the dissolution process.
Ceteareth-18 has the ability to emulsify mineral oils and petroleum spirit, kerosene, xylene, vegetable and animal fats, as well as paraffin and waxes.

Ceteareth-18 is also resistant to hard water and electrolytes while being sensitive to changes in pH.
Ceteareth-18 is susceptible to aerobic biodegradation.
Ceteareth-18 is present in 0.01% of cosmetics.

Ceteareth-18 is a non-ionic surfactant and oil-in-water (O/W) emulsifier.
Ceteareth-18 is based on high molecular weight alcohol of natural origin.
Ceteareth-18 offers excellent emulsifying and dispersing properties.

Ceteareth-18 is used in hair conditioners, lotions and coloring cosmetics (hair dyes and face- & body make-up).
Ceteareth-18 is an emulsifier.

Ceteareth-18 enables the formation of an emulsion and ensures its durability, and is also an excellent emollient, meaning it creates a layer (occlusion) on the skin's surface that protects against TEWL (transepidermal water loss) from deeper layers of the skin, the so-called secondary hydration.

USES and APPLICATIONS of CETEARETH-18:
Ceteareth-18 is widely used in cosmetics, personal care, and some industrial formulations.
Cosmetics & Personal Care: Ceteareth-18 is used in creams, lotions, body milks, skin moisturizers, sun care products (SPF), hair conditioners, styling creams.

Ceteareth-18 helps in forming stable oil-in-water emulsions.
Hair & Skin Conditioning / Emollient Function: Ceteareth-18 smooths skin and hair; helps hair be more flexible and soft.
Ceteareth-18 acts also as a conditioning agent.

Emulsion Polymer & Paint / Coating Industry: Ceteareth-18 is used as emulsifier in emulsion polymerization; helps disperse hydrophobic monomers and stabilize polymer dispersions.
Ceteareth-18 is also used in adhesives, paints, coatings.

Textile Finishes / Soluble Oil Formulations: Ceteareth-18 is used in finishing of textiles; in soluble oil cutting fluids; in formulation of various O/W emulsions for industrial use.
Rheology Modifier / Stabilizer: Ceteareth-18 helps improve stability of formulations, helps with texture, viscosity, “glide” in creams/lotions; supports foam and spreading properties.

Ceteareth-18 can be used in cosmetic emulsions (e.g. hair conditioners, lotions) and colouring cosmetics (hair dyes and face and body make-up).
In industrial applications, Ceteareth-18 is used as an emulsifier in the preparation of soluble oils, textile finishes, anti-foaming emulsions or hydraulic fluids.

Ceteareth-18 is usually used together with emulsifiers with lower HLB values (e.g. ROKAnol T6 or T10), which improves the stability of the emulsions formed.
Applications of Ceteareth-18: cosmetics (hair conditioners, lotions), colouring cosmetics (hair dyes and colouring cosmetics for face and body), base oil emulsification, hydraulic fluids, machining liquids, auxiliary agents for the textile industry, emulsification of oil substances, anti-foaming emulsions, emulsifier for the production of aqueous acrylic and PVA dispersions.

FUNCTION(S) of CETEARETH-18 IN COSMETIC PRODUCTS
*SURFACTANT (EMULSIFYING) - EMULSIFIER
Ceteareth-18 allows the formation of finely distributed mixtures of oil and water (emulsions)

*SURFACTANT (CLEANSING)
Detergent for cleaning skin, hair and/or teeth

ADVANTAGES of CETEARETH-18:
*dispersing, emulsifying properties,
*moderate foaming properties,
*resistant to hard water and electrolytes,
*universal O/W type emulsifier.

CHEMICAL STRUCTURE of CETEARETH-18:
Ceteareth-18 is a non-ionic surfactant belonging to the Ceteareth family. It is produced by ethoxylating cetearyl alcohol (a mixture of cetyl and stearyl alcohols) with an average of 18 ethylene oxide (EO) units.

The general structure can be represented as:
C₁₆₋₁₈H₃₄₋₆₆O–(C₂H₄O)₁₈–OH
Where C₁₆₋₁₈H₃₄₋₆₆O represents the cetearyl alcohol backbone, and (C₂H₄O)₁₈ represents the ethylene oxide units.

FUNCTIONS (INCI) of CETEARETH-18:
*Emulsifying :
Ceteareth-18 promotes the formation of intimate mixtures between immiscible liquids by modifying the interfacial tension (water and oil)

*Surfactant :
Ceteareth-18 reduces the surface tension of cosmetics and contributes to the even distribution of the product when it is used

FUNCTION(S) of CETEARETH-18 IN COSMETIC PRODUCTS
*SURFACTANT - CLEANSING
Surface-active agent to clean skin, hair and / or teeth.

*SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING
Ceteareth-18 allows the formation of finely dispersed mixtures of oil and water (emulsions).

BENEFITS & CHARACTERISTICS of CETEARETH-18:
*Has strong emulsifying and dispersing capability:
Ceteareth-18 reduces interfacial tension between oil/water, helps form stable emulsions where oil droplets remain finely dispersed.
High HLB means good for oil-in-water emulsions — Ceteareth-18 helps mix oil phases into aqueous continuous phases.

Ceteareth-18 maintains performance in presence of electrolytes and hard water, which many other surfactants might lose effectiveness under such conditions.
Ceteareth-18 forms a protective film/occlusive layer on skin surface, helping reduce transepidermal water loss (TEWL), aiding skin moisture retention.

*Ceteareth-18 provides good texture, feel: smooth, “glide,” creamy feel in emulsions; helps reduce drying or “tight” feeling, especially when paired with other surfactants or oils.

*Biodegradability:
Under aerobic conditions the organic portions are convertible to biomass and carbon dioxide; so more environmentally acceptable compared to some harsher surfactants.

CETEARETH-18
WHAT IS IT?
Ceteareths (Ceteareth-2, Ceteareth-3, Ceteareth-4, Ceteareth-5, Ceteareth-6, Ceteareth-7, Ceteareth-8, Ceteareth-9, Ceteareth-10, Ceteareth-11, Ceteareth-12, Ceteareth-13, Ceteareth-14, Ceteareth-15, Ceteareth-16, Ceteareth-17, Ceteareth-18, Ceteareth-20, Ceteareth-22, Ceteareth-23, Ceteareth-24, Ceteareth-25, Ceteareth-27, Ceteareth-28, Ceteareth-29, Ceteareth-30, Ceteareth-33, Ceteareth-34, Ceteareth-40, Ceteareth-50, Ceteareth-55, Ceteareth-60, Ceteareth-80, Ceteareth-100) are 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.

WHY IS IT USED?
Ceteareth-2 to -18, and Ceteareth-22, help to form emulsions by reducing the surface tension of the substances to be emulsified.
Ceteareth-22 is also used to decrease the thickness of liquid cosmetics and personal care products.
Ceteareth-20 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.

SCIENTIFIC FACTS
Ceteareths are made from cetearyl alcohol, which is a mixture of cetyl and stearyl alcohol, and ethylene oxide.
The numerical value represents the average number of molecules of ethylene oxide added to generate the specific Ceteareth ingredient.
For example, Ceteareth-2 is made by reacting Cetearyl Alcohol with an average of 2 molecules of ethylene oxide.

PHYSICAL and CHEMICAL PROPERTIES of CETEARETH-18:
CAS Number: 68439-49-6
EC Number: 500-212-8
Chemical / IUPAC-type Description: Alcohols C16-18, ethoxylated (18 mol EO average) — i.e.
a mixture of cetyl/stearyl alcohols reacted with ~18 units of ethylene oxide
Molecular Formula: C₁₆₋₁₈H₃₄₋₆₆O₁₈
Molecular Weight: Approximately 1,000 – 1,200 g/mol
Appearance: White waxy solid; in flakes or solid wax form at room/ambient temperature
Solidification / Melting / Softening Behavior: The substance has a solid state at room temperature;
the “solidification point” (or softening) around ~ 40 °C

Density: ~ 0.97 g/mL (at ~40 °C) for the pure substance
Water Content (moisture): Max about 1% by weight in commercial samples
pH of 1% Solution: Slightly acidic to slightly alkaline, approx ~ 5.5-8.5
Solubility & Solvent Compatibility: Relatively good solubility in water when warm / with agitation;
also soluble or dispersible in low aliphatic alcohols and similar solvents.
Some difficulty forming homogeneous mixtures when cold because of waxy solid nature
HLB (Hydrophile-Lipophile Balance): High HLB — around 16.3 for Ceteareth-18,
making it strongly hydrophilic and suitable for oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions
Foam Behavior: Moderate foaming tendency
Stability in Hard Water / Electrolytes: The emulsifying action is maintained even in hard water / in presence of electrolytes
Appearance: White to off-white waxy solid or flakes

Odor: Slight characteristic odor
Melting Point: Approximately 40°C
Solubility: Soluble in hot water; resistant to hard water
Density: Approximately 0.97 g/mL at 40°C
HLB (Hydrophilic-Lipophilic Balance): Approximately 16.3
pH Stability: Stable in a broad pH range; hydrolyzes under highly acidic or basic conditions
Flash Point: >100°C
Water Content: Maximum 1% by weight
Foaming Behavior: Moderate foaming
Compatibility: Resistant to hard water and electrolytes; sensitive to changes in pH
Biodegradability: Susceptible to aerobic biodegradation

FIRST AID MEASURES of CETEARETH-18:
-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-18:
-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-18:
-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-18:
-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-18:
-Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities:
*Storage conditions:
Tightly closed.
Dry.

STABILITY and REACTIVITY of CETEARETH-18:
-Chemical stability:
The product is chemically stable under standard ambient conditions (room temperature).
-Possibility of hazardous reactions:
No data available