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Ceteareth 2-12-20-25-30-50-80 is used to stabilize oil-in-water emulsions in creams, lotions, sunscreens.
Ceteareth 2-12-20-25-30-50-80 is used solubilizer for oils, fragrances, pigments, essential oils in aqueous systems.
Ceteareth 2-12-20-25-30-50-80 helps disperse oil-soluble actives.
CAS Number: 68439-49-6
EC Number: 500-212-8
General formula: C16–C18H33–O–(CH2CH2O)n–H
Molecular Weights (average):
Ceteareth-2 → ~362–390 g/mol
Ceteareth-12 → ~650–750 g/mol
Ceteareth-20 → ~950–1100 g/mol
Ceteareth-25 → ~1150–1300 g/mol
Ceteareth-30 → ~1350–1500 g/mol
Ceteareth-50 → ~2150–2300 g/mol
Ceteareth-80 → ~3200–3500 g/mol
SYNONYMS:
Ceteareth-n, Polyethylene glycol ether of cetearyl alcohol, Cetyl/stearyl alcohol ethoxylates, Polyoxyethylene cetearyl ether, Cetearyl alcohol ethoxylated, PEG-n cetearyl ether, Fatty alcohol ethoxylates, Brij-type surfactants (commercial naming)
CETEARETH 2
Ceteareth 2 is a polyethylene glycol ether of cetearyl alcohol with 2 ethylene oxide units.
Ceteareth 2 is one of the lowest EO members of the Ceteareth family, giving it higher lipophilicity.
Ceteareth 2 is a low-ethoxylated nonionic surfactant, which means it has only a few ethylene oxide groups.
This gives Ceteareth 2 a more lipophilic (oil-loving) nature, making it suitable for stabilizing water-in-oil (W/O) emulsions.
CETEARETH 12
Ceteareth 12 contains about 12 moles of ethylene oxide added to cetearyl alcohol.
Ceteareth 12 is a medium EO surfactant that balances oil solubility and water compatibility.
Ceteareth 12 is a versatile emulsifier used in both O/W and W/O systems depending on formulation.
Ceteareth 12 is a medium-chain ethoxylated fatty alcohol, with around 12 ethylene oxide units.
This balance gives Ceteareth 12 a dual character, where it can stabilize both oil-in-water and water-in-oil emulsions depending on the formulation.
Ceteareth 12 is commonly used as a co-emulsifier rather than the sole emulsifier.
CETEARETH 20
Ceteareth 20 is the most widely used member of the series, offering excellent emulsification for O/W creams and lotions.
Ceteareth 20 is one of the most widely used emulsifiers in cosmetics.
Ceteareth 20 is strongly hydrophilic, ideal for oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions.
Ceteareth 20 is one of the most commonly used emulsifiers in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.
With 20 ethylene oxide units, Ceteareth 20 is highly hydrophilic and particularly suited to formulating oil-in-water emulsions.
CETEARETH 25
Ceteareth 25 is more hydrophilic than Ceteareth-20, giving it higher solubility in water.
Ceteareth 25 is similar to Ceteareth-20 but with slightly higher EO units, giving it stronger hydrophilicity.
Ceteareth 25 is similar in structure to Ceteareth-20 but contains more ethylene oxide units, giving it greater hydrophilic properties.
Ceteareth 25 is widely used in clear gels and sprays where clarity is needed.
CETEARETH 30
Ceteareth 30 is a highly ethoxylated emulsifier with excellent solubility.
Ceteareth 30 is a high-EO surfactant with strong water solubility, mainly used for solubilizing actives, oils, and fragrances.
Ceteareth 30 is a high EO derivative with excellent water solubility.
Ceteareth 30 is mostly used as a solubilizer for fragrances and oils rather than as a primary emulsifier.
CETEARETH 50
Ceteareth 50 is a highly hydrophilic surfactant from the Ceteareth series.
Ceteareth 50 is a very hydrophilic surfactant, often used for high-water formulations and in systems requiring strong solubilization.
Ceteareth 50 has an even higher EO chain, making it highly hydrophilic and suited for applications needing strong solubilization.
CETEARETH 80
Ceteareth 80 is one of the most hydrophilic in the series, with ~80 EO units.
Ceteareth 80 is the most hydrophilic version of the series, designed for extreme solubilization and clarity.
Ceteareth 80 is the highest EO derivative in this group, extremely water-soluble and mainly used as a solubilizer and stabilizer in very high-water systems.
USES and APPLICATIONS of CETEARETH 2-12-20-25-30-50-80:
Emulsifier uses of Ceteareth 2-12-20-25-30-50-80: Key use is to stabilize oil-in-water emulsions in creams, lotions, sunscreens.
Ceteareth 2-12-20-25-30-50-80 is used solubilizer for oils, fragrances, pigments, essential oils in aqueous systems.
Ceteareth 2-12-20-25-30-50-80 helps disperse oil-soluble actives.
Texture / feel modifier: Ceteareth 2-12-20-25-30-50-80 adds spreadability, reducing greasiness, improving skin or hair feel.
Flakes or waxy solids contribute to body in formulations.
Cleansing / surfactant co-agent: in mild cleansers, Ceteareth 2-12-20-25-30-50-80 helps reduce surface tension and assist with washing action, though nonionic so less foaming than strong anionics.
Stabilization of UV filters: Ceteareth 2-12-20-25-30-50-80 is used in sunscreens / UV emulsions to help emulsify and stabilize oil phases containing UV filters.
USES and APPLICATIONS of CETEARETH 2
Uses of Ceteareth 2: Emulsifier in creams and lotions.
Ceteareth 2 is used in O/W emulsions with low viscosity.
Ceteareth 2 is used common in hair conditioners.
Applications of Ceteareth 2: Facial creams, moisturizers, conditioners, serums.
Ceteareth 2 is used in rich creams, ointments, and sunscreens.
Ceteareth 2 helps blend thick oils, waxes, and butters with water.
Ceteareth 2 is used in medicated ointments due to its strong stabilizing effect in fatty systems.
Ceteareth 2 finds its primary role in cosmetic emulsions such as body butters, sunscreens, and ointments.
In these, Ceteareth 2 helps to disperse water droplets into an oil base, allowing the formulation to stay stable and creamy.
Ceteareth 2 is also used in industrial creams and waxes, where stable water-in-oil systems are essential.
In pharmaceuticals, Ceteareth 2 is included in topical products where drug penetration requires an oily base.
USES and APPLICATIONS of CETEARETH 12
Uses of Ceteareth 12: O/W emulsifier.
Ceteareth 12 is used in cream rinses and lotions.
Applications of Ceteareth 12: Skincare emulsions, cleansers, conditioners.
Ceteareth 12 is found in lotions, hair conditioners, face creams.
Ceteareth 12 is often combined with other emulsifiers to adjust viscosity.
Ceteareth 12 is used in industrial emulsions for textile softeners.
Ceteareth 12 is widely used in lotions, face creams, and conditioners, where it serves as a stabilizer.
Ceteareth 12 is frequently combined with other emulsifiers like Ceteareth-20 or fatty alcohols to fine-tune the texture of the end product.
Beyond cosmetics, Ceteareth 12 is also applied in textile finishing and detergent formulations, where it helps emulsify oils and waxes.
USES and APPLICATIONS of CETEARETH 20
Uses of Ceteareth 20: Main emulsifier in cosmetic emulsions.
Ceteareth 20 is used solubilizer for essential oils and perfumes.
Applications of Ceteareth 20: Creams, lotions, sunscreens, conditioners, cleansers.
Ceteareth 20 is used in skin lotions, facial creams, serums, sunscreens.
Ceteareth 20 helps dissolve fragrances and essential oils in aqueous systems.
Ceteareth 20 is used common in shampoos and body washes as a solubilizer.
Ceteareth 20 is employed in lotions, creams, shampoos, and sunscreens, where it enables the dispersion of oils, fragrances, and actives into water.
Ceteareth 20 is also widely used in body washes and facial cleansers, providing solubilization and stabilization of fragrance oils and essential oils.
USES and APPLICATIONS of CETEARETH 25
Uses of Ceteareth 25: Emulsifier in aqueous creams and gels.
Ceteareth 25 is used solubilizer for fragrances.
Applications of Ceteareth 25: Clear gels, light emulsions, hair mousses.
Ceteareth 25 is found in clear gels, lotions, foaming cleansers.
Ceteareth 25 is used to stabilize aqueous gels with oils.
Ceteareth 25 is applied in hair styling gels and sprays for solubilizing fragrances.
Ceteareth 25 is found in light gels, lotions, deodorants, hair styling sprays.
Ceteareth 25 helps solubilize fragrances and oils in water-based formulations.
Ceteareth 25 is also used in aqueous pharmaceutical gels for solubilizing actives.
USES and APPLICATIONS of CETEARETH 30
Uses of Ceteareth 30: Emulsifies oils in water-rich systems.
Ceteareth 30 improves stability of gel-cream emulsions.
Applications of Ceteareth 30: Cream-gels, cleansing lotions, serums.
Ceteareth 30 is found in light emulsions, deodorants, gels, and sunscreens.
Ceteareth 30 is industrially used in textile emulsions.
Ceteareth 30 is helpful in fragrance solubilization in sprays.
Ceteareth 30 is used in perfume solubilization, gels, and serums.
Ceteareth 30 is commonly used in transparent deodorant gels.
Ceteareth 30 is used industrial use in textile emulsions and cleaning solutions.
USES and APPLICATIONS of CETEARETH 50
Uses of Ceteareth 50: Solubilizer for perfumes and essential oils.
Ceteareth 50 is used in transparent aqueous solutions.
Applications of Ceteareth 50: Micellar waters, cleansers, clear tonics.
Ceteareth 50 is used in serums, toners, body mists.
Ceteareth 50 is helpful in pharmaceutical emulsions to disperse hydrophobic drugs.
Ceteareth 50 is used common in fabric softener emulsions.
Ceteareth 50 is used in toners, serums, micellar waters
Ceteareth 50 is used in pharmaceutical dispersions
Ceteareth 50 is used in industrial detergents
USES and APPLICATIONS of CETEARETH 80
Uses of Ceteareth 80: Excellent solubilizer.
Ceteareth 80 is used in pharmaceutical and cosmetic aqueous systems.
Applications of Ceteareth 80: Pharmaceutical formulations, serums, clear sprays, tonics.
Ceteareth 80 is used in serums, micellar waters, high-water gels.
Ceteareth 80 is industrially applied in oil dispersions and cleaning solutions.
Ceteareth 80 is useful in perfume and essential oil solubilization.
Ceteareth 80 is used in micellar waters, sprays, and serums.
Ceteareth 80 is used stabilization of perfumes and essential oils.
Industrial use of Ceteareth 80 is in cleaning products and textile emulsions.
BENEFITS / CHARACTERISTICS of CETEARETH 2-12-20-25-30-50-80:
*Non-ionic nature:
less susceptible to interactions with anionic or cationic components; more stable in broad pH ranges.
*Mildness:
Typically tolerated well on skin and hair, low irritation when properly refined, due to being alcohol-based ethoxylates.
*Flexibility in formulation:
by choosing different “n” values, formulators tune hydrophilicity / lipophilicity balance—adaptable for many product types.
Ceteareth 2-12-20-25-30-50-80 is improved gloss / shine in hair care products; smoother appearance in creams.
Ceteareth 2-12-20-25-30-50-80 enhances product stability: helps prevent emulsion break, reduces phase separation over time.
CETEARETH 2
BENEFITS
*Ceteareth 2 provides good emulsion stability.
*Ceteareth 2 helps oils blend into aqueous formulations.
*Ceteareth 2 provides dense and protective textures in skincare.
*Ceteareth 2 enhances the water resistance of cosmetic formulations.
*Ceteareth 2 improves the occlusive effect in moisturizing creams.
*One of the most significant benefits of Ceteareth 2 is its ability to create dense and protective emulsions.
*Products containing Ceteareth 2 provide a long-lasting effect on the skin, making them ideal for moisturizing and protective creams.
*Ceteareth 2 enhances water resistance, a valuable property in sunscreens and barrier creams.
*Additionally, Ceteareth 2 helps improve texture and spreadability, giving a rich, luxurious feel.
CHARACTERISTICS
*HLB value of Ceteareth 2 is ~4.9 (more oil-soluble).
*Ceteareth 2 is used mainly in water-in-oil emulsions.
*Ceteareth 2 is a waxy solid, low EO content, slightly soluble in oils but not in water.
*HLB value of Ceteareth 2 is ~4.5 (good for W/O emulsions).
*Appearance: White to off-white waxy solid
*Odor: Faint, neutral
*HLB value: ~4–5 (lipophilic)
*Behavior: Best for W/O emulsions, poor water solubility
*Viscosity effect: Thickens formulations significantly
SAFETY & USAGE
Ceteareth 2 is considered safe when used within regulated cosmetic concentrations.
Ceteareth 2 is typically employed at 1–5% of a formulation.
While generally non-irritant, its low water solubility means Ceteareth 2 can occasionally cause comedogenic effects in acne-prone skin if used in heavy creams.
CETEARETH 12
BENEFITS
*Ceteareth 12 produces lightweight, spreadable emulsions.
*Ceteareth 12 enhances penetration of actives.
*Ceteareth 12 provides a light and smooth feel on skin.
*Ceteareth 12 stabilizes emulsions even with high levels of oils or silicones.
*Ceteareth 12 enhances the compatibility of different cosmetic actives.
*Ceteareth 12 provides an excellent balance of emulsification power without leaving a greasy feel.
*Ceteareth 12 supports silicone stability, making it valuable in hair care formulations where silicones are included for shine and softness.
*In skincare, Ceteareth 12 helps deliver a smooth and non-sticky finish.
CHARACTERISTICS
*Ceteareth 12 is balanced hydrophilic–lipophilic profile.
*Ceteareth 12 is often combined with fatty alcohols for stability.
*Ceteareth 12 is intermediate hydrophilic-lipophilic balance.
*Ceteareth 12 works well as a co-emulsifier.
*Appearance: Solid, wax-like flakes
*HLB value: ~12 (intermediate balance)
*Functional role: Best as a co-emulsifier
*Compatibility: Works well with both oil- and water-soluble actives
SAFETY & USAGE
Ceteareth 12 is safe in cosmetics within standard concentrations.
Ceteareth 12 is typically used in 1–7% depending on formulation.
Ceteareth 12 is stable in acidic and neutral pH but may degrade under highly alkaline conditions.
CETEARETH 20
BENEFITS
*Ceteareth 20 produces stable, smooth emulsions.
*Ceteareth 20 is non-ionic, compatible with cationic/anionic agents.
*Ceteareth 20 provides smooth spreadability and non-greasy feel.
*Ceteareth 20 ensures long-term emulsion stability.
*Ceteareth 20 enhances foam quality in cleansing products.
*Provides smooth textures and non-greasy feel
*Ensures long-term emulsion stability
*Improves foam stability in cleansing products
*Enhances compatibility between oil and water phases
CHARACTERISTICS
*HLB value of Ceteareth 20 is ~15.7, strongly hydrophilic.
*Excellent emulsifying power.
*Ceteareth 20 is water-soluble, good solubilizer for oils.
*Ceteareth 20 is very versatile across industries.
*Appearance: White flakes or pastilles
*HLB value: ~15–16 (highly hydrophilic)
*Function: Excellent O/W emulsifier and solubilizer
SAFETY & USAGE
Ceteareth 20 is safe in leave-on and rinse-off cosmetics up to typical concentrations (2–10%).
CETEARETH 25
BENEFITS
*Ceteareth 25 improves clarity of aqueous systems.
*Ceteareth 25 enhances foaming properties.
*Better at dissolving oil-soluble actives in water compared to Ceteareth-20.
*Ceteareth 25 contributes to clarity in cosmetic formulations.
*Ceteareth 25 provides light, non-heavy textures.
*Ceteareth 25 provides excellent clarity and transparency.
*Ceteareth 25 ispreadability of gels.
*Ceteareth 25 keeps volatile ingredients (e.g., alcohols, perfumes) stable in water.
CHARACTERISTICS
*High HLB value of Ceteareth 25 is ~16.3.
*Ceteareth 25 is often used as co-emulsifier.
*Ceteareth 25 works as a primary emulsifier in high-water formulations.
*More water-compatible than Ceteareth-20
*Appearance: Soft wax or flakes
SAFETY & USAGE
Safe for cosmetics, typically used at 2–7%.
Ceteareth 25 is particularly valued for light formulations that need to remain clear.
CETEARETH 30
BENEFITS
*Ceteareth 30 provides high emulsion stability.
*Ceteareth 30 improves product texture and lightness.
*Ceteareth 30 provides clear solutions when blending oils into water.
*Ceteareth 30 improves formulation transparency.
*Ceteareth 30 stabilizes volatile ingredients.
*Ceteareth 30 provides clear solutions in cosmetic formulations.
*Ceteareth 30 prevents separation of oils in high-water content systems.
*Ceteareth 30 enhances the stability of volatile actives.
CHARACTERISTICS
*HLB value of Ceteareth 30 is ~16.9.
*Ceteareth 30 is suitable for high-water formulations.
*Ceteareth 30 is highly hydrophilic, non-greasy.
*Ceteareth 30 is compatible with both oils and water.
*Very hydrophilic, suitable for aqueous systems
SAFETY & USAGE
Safe in cosmetic levels (1–5%).
Higher usage may lead to a soapy feel.
CETEARETH 50
BENEFITS
*Ceteareth 50 provides excellent clarity and solubilization.
*Ceteareth 50 improves product dispersion.
*Ceteareth 50 provides exceptional solubilization capacity.
*Ceteareth 50 prevents separation of volatile or unstable oils.
*Ceteareth 50 enhances light and fresh feel of formulations.
*Superior solubilizer for oils and fragrances
*Ceteareth 50 maintains clarity in aqueous solutions
*Ceteareth 50 enhances wash-off in cleansers
CHARACTERISTICS
*Very high HLB of Ceteareth 50 is ~17.9.
*Ceteareth 50 functions primarily as solubilizer.
*Ceteareth 50 is highly water-soluble, not oily at all.
*Highly hydrophilic
*Appearance: White flakes
SAFETY & USAGE
Generally safe at <5%.
CETEARETH 80
BENEFITS
*Ceteareth 80 creates transparent, stable solutions.
*Ceteareth 80 can solubilize high loads of oils.
*Ceteareth 80 provides clear and transparent systems.
*Ceteareth 80 is excellent stability enhancer for complex actives.
*Ceteareth 80 improves wash-off performance in cleansers.
*Ceteareth 80 provides clear, transparent systems
*Exceptional solubilization of hydrophobic actives
*Ceteareth 80 prevents phase separation even with volatile components
CHARACTERISTICS
*Extremely high HLB of Ceteareth 80 is >18.
*Ceteareth 80 works best as solubilizer rather than emulsifier.
*Ceteareth 80 is very strong water solubility, not suitable for heavy creams.
*Very hydrophilic, not suitable for creams
*Appearance: White solid
SAFETY & USAGE
Safe at low levels (<5%).
WHAT IS "CETEARETH-n"?
Definition/INCI:
Ceteareth-n are non-ionic surfactants / emulsifiers, made by ethoxylating cetearyl alcohol (a mixture of cetyl and stearyl fatty alcohols, typically about C16-C18 chains).
The “n” in Ceteareth-n refers to the average number of ethylene oxide (EO) units added.
For example, Ceteareth-20 has ~20 EO units on average.
PHYSICAL and CHEMICAL PROPERTIES of CETEARETH 2-12-20-25-30-50-80:
CETEARETH-2
Appearance: White to off-white waxy solid.
Solubility: Dispersible in water, soluble in alcohols and oils.
CAS Number: 68439-49-6
EC Number: 500-212-8
Appearance: White to off-white flakes.
Melting range: ~45–55 °C.
Molecular Weight: ~362–400 g/mol.
Solubility: Oil-soluble, dispersible in water with difficulty.
CETEARETH-12
Appearance: White solid or flakes.
Solubility: Dispersible in water.
Solubility: Dispersible in water, soluble in alcohols and oils.
CAS Number: 68439-49-6
EC Number: 500-212-8
Appearance: Waxy solid or pastilles.
HLB value: ~12–13.
Molecular Weight: ~680–800 g/mol.
Solubility: Partially water-dispersible.
CETEARETH-20
Appearance: White solid or pellets.
Solubility: Soluble in water and ethanol.
CAS Number: 68439-49-6
EC Number: 500-212-8
Appearance: White flakes or pastilles.
HLB value: ~15.5.
Molecular Weight: ~1120–1200 g/mol.
Solubility: Water-soluble.
CETEARETH-25
Appearance: White flakes or wax.
Solubility: Easily soluble in water.
CAS Number: 68439-49-6
EC Number: 500-212-8
Appearance: Flakes or soft wax.
HLB value: ~16.
Molecular Weight: ~1350–1400 g/mol.
Solubility: Freely soluble in water.
CETEARETH-30
Appearance: White to off-white flakes.
Solubility: Freely soluble in water.
CAS Number: 68439-49-6
EC Number: 500-212-8
Appearance: White waxy solid.
HLB value: ~16.5–17.
Molecular Weight: ~1680–1750 g/mol.
Solubility: Water-soluble.
CETEARETH-50
Appearance: White solid.
Solubility: Freely soluble in water.
CAS Number: 68439-49-6
EC Number: 500-212-8
Appearance: White waxy solid.
HLB value: ~17–18.
Molecular Weight: ~2700–2800 g/mol.
Solubility: Freely water-soluble.
CETEARETH-80
Appearance: White waxy solid or powder.
Solubility: Fully soluble in water.
CAS Number: 68439-49-6
EC Number: 500-212-8
Appearance: White solid, waxy flakes.
HLB value: ~18.
Molecular Weight: ~3500 g/mol.
Solubility: Completely water-soluble.
FIRST AID MEASURES of CETEARETH 2-12-20-25-30-50-80:
-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 2-12-20-25-30-50-80:
-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 2-12-20-25-30-50-80:
-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 2-12-20-25-30-50-80:
-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 2-12-20-25-30-50-80:
-Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities:
*Storage conditions:
Tightly closed.
Dry.
STABILITY and REACTIVITY of CETEARETH 2-12-20-25-30-50-80:
-Chemical stability:
The product is chemically stable under standard ambient conditions (room temperature).
-Possibility of hazardous reactions:
No data available
