CETEARETH-20

CAS NO: 68439-49-6

Synonyms:
CETEARETH-20; Ceteareth-20; T/N: Unimul B-1; T/N: Emulgin B1; Polyoxyethylene Cetearyl Ether; Ethoxylated Fatty Alcohol; Chemonic CT-20; Jeecol CS-20; Ceterayl Alcohol and Ceteareth-20; Polyoxyethylene Ether of Cetyl/Stearyl Alcohol; ALCOHOLS, C1618, ETHOXYLATED; PEG-20 CETYL/STEARYL ETHER; POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL 600 CETYL/STEARYL ETHER; POLYOXYETHYLENE (20) CETYL/STEARYL ETHER; ETHOXYLATED FATTY ALCOHOLS (C16-18); EUMULGIN B 1; Ceteareth-20; T/N: Unimul B-1; T/N: Emulgin B1; Polyoxyethylene Cetearyl Ether; Ethoxylated Fatty Alcohol; Chemonic CT-20; Jeecol CS-20; Ceterayl Alcohol and Ceteareth-20; Polyoxyethylene Ether of Cetyl/Stearyl Alcohol; 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-15; Ceteareth-16; Ceteareth-17; Ceteareth-18; Ceteareth-20; Ceteareth-22; Ceteareth-23; 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; SETEARETH 20; SETEARET 20; 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;AEC Ceteareth-20 ;Brij CS20 ;Brij CS20-SO ;Cetomacrogol 1000 BP ;Cremophor A 20 ;Empilan 2920 ;Ethal CSA-20 ;Eumulgin B 2 ;Galenol 2100 Emulsifier ;Genapol T 200 ;Hetoxol CS-20 ;Jeecol CS-20 ;Lipocol SC-20 ;Lumulse CS-20 ;Procol CS-20 ;Ritacet 20 ;Sabowax CS 20 ;Sympatens-ACS/200 ;Unimul-B-2 ;Eumulgin B2, Poe(20) Cetyl/stearyl Ether, Poe(20) Hexadecyl/stearyl Ether, Polyoxyethylen(20) Hexadecyl/stearylether, Polyoxyethylene(20) Cetylstearylether;Alcohols, C16-18, ethoxylated;Emulgade® 1000 NI;alcohols, C16--18, ethoxylated, propoxylated;Eumulgin B2, Poe(20) Cetyl/stearyl Ether, Poe(20) Hexadecyl/stearyl Ether,Polyoxyethylen(20) Hexadecyl/stearylether, Polyoxyethylene(20) Cetylstearylether;Surfac JH200; Lipocol SC-20: Ceteareth-12;GLYCERYL STEARATE, CETEARETH-20, CETEARETH-12, CETEARYL ALCOHOL, CETYL PALMITATE;CETEARYL ALCOHOL , CETEARETH-20, GLYCERYL STEARATE;CETEARYL ALCOHOL, CETEARETH 30, SODIUM LAURYL SULPHATE;CETEARYL ALCOHOL, CETEARETH-20;CETEARYL ALCOHOL, CETEARETH-20, LAURYL MYRISTYL ALCOHOL;CETEARYL ALCOHOL, CETEARETH-25;CETEARYL ALCOHOL, CETEARETH-25, CETEARETH-3;CETEARYL ALCOHOL, CETEARETH-30;CETEARYL ALCOHOL, GLYCERYL STEARATE, LANOLIN, CETEARETH-20, PEG-6 STEARATE;CETEARYL ALCOHOL, GLYCERYL STEARATE, PEG-40 STEARATE, CETEARETH-20;CETEARYL ALCOHOL, PEG-20 STEARATE;CETEARYL ALCOHOL, POLYSORBATE 60;CETEARYL ALCOHOL, SODIUM LAURYL SULPHATE;GLYCERYL STEARATE, PEG-100 STEARATE;STEARETH-21;STEARYL ALCOHOL, CETEARETH-30, CETEARYL ETHYLHEXANOATE;Fatty Alcohol Ethoxylated;Unaphos CS20; T/N: Crodafos CS20 Acid; Mix: Cetearyl Alcohol and Ceteth-20 Phosphate and Dicethyl Phosphate;Dihydroxyehtyl Soyamine Dioleate, PG, Cetyl Alcohol, Ceteareth-20, Oleic A dibutyl Adipate, Ethoxydiglycol;Eumulgin B 2;Ceteareth-6; C16~18 Fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene ether; Alcohols, C16-18, ethoxylated; Ceteareth-10;Ceteareth A series; Alcohols C16-18 ethoxylated; Cremophor (R) A25; Surf A6; Surf A25; Surf A20; Surf AD; Ceteareth-25
 

CETEARETH-20

Physical Properties of CETEARETH 20
Physical state of CETEARETH 20
Solid
Colour of CETEARETH 20
White
Appearance of CETEARETH 20
Flakes
Specific Gravity of CETEARETH 20
1.0
Odour of CETEARETH 20
Characteristic
Vapour Pressure of CETEARETH 20
(20 °C) Not applicable
Boiling Point CETEARETH 20
(°C): >100
Flash Point of CETEARETH 20
(°C): >148.89
Chemical stability of CETEARETH 20
Stable under normal conditions of use.
Aquatic toxicity of CETEARETH 20
Very toxic to aquatic organisms

Usage Areas of CETEARETH 20
A good all round emulsifier to produce o/w emulsions which are compatible with a large range of oils. It can be used alone or best combined with other emulsifiers to help stabilise the emulsion.

Ceteareth-20 functions as an emollient and emulsifier. It's usually used in conjunction with other alcohols and fatty acids, working to thicken a solution and help other ingredients dissolve in a solvent. It also functions as a nonionic stabilizer in oil in water emulsions. This ingredient is one of the most common emollients used in cosmetics, and you can find it in products such as hair dye, facial moisturizer, anti-aging treatment, conditioner, cleanser, sunscreen, exfoliant/scrub, depilatory cream and acne treatment.

Description: Non-ionic polyoxyethylene ether of higher saturated fatty alcohols (cetyl/stearyl alcohol). White pellets, no odor. Dissolves in water & alcohol to form a colloid solution. Can be mixed with mineral, vegetable or synthetic fats and oils. HLB value 15-17 (gives oil-in-water emulsions).

Properties: 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.

Applications: All kinds of emulsion-based cosmetic products like creams, lotions (especially sprayable lotions), foundations, hair conditioners, sunscreen products.

Ceteareth-20
Ceteareth-20, used in some baby wipes and sensitive skin care products, contains Ethylene Oxide and 1,4-dioxane, both of which are known to have carcinogenic properties. Even though 1,4-dioxane can be removed from products to lift the risk, most cosmetic manufacturers simply opt not to do it. Ceteareth-20, specifically, is moderately dangerous; it is dependent on how it is used. Even at low doses, it causes irritation on the skin, predominantly around the eyes, mouth, and lips. Likewise, as an active penetration enhancer, it gets into your bloodstream at an accelerated pace. It is therefore shocking that it is used mainly in skincare products geared towards sensitive skin.

A nonionic surfactant prepared from cetyl-stearyl alcohol and 20 moles of ethylene oxide. Ceteareth-20 is a high HLB emulsifier used in oil-in-water emulsions. Provides exceptionally stable emulsions when used in combination with another emulsifier such as glyceryl stearate. Soluble in water and isopropyl alcohol.

Product Applications: Acne Care, After Sun Care, Antiperspirent, Baby Care, Beauty Care, Body Care, Deodorants, Face Care, Fragrances, Hair Cleansing, Hair Colorants, Hair Styling, Hand & Nail Care, Hard Surface Cleaner, I&I Surface Cleaning, Industrial, Pet Care, Sun Care

CETEARETH-20 is an oil-in-water emulsifier. Stable emulsions are formed when balanced with a low HLB emulsifier for body and viscosity. Used in all emulsion systems including skin care, hair care and foundation make ups.

Ceteareth 20 is the polyethylene glycol ether of Cetearyl Alcohol that conforms
generally to the formula:
R(OCH2CH2)nOH
where R represents a blend of alkyl groups derived from
cetyl and stearyl alcohol and n has an average value of 20

Ceteareth-20: It is the raw material that provides oil-based cremation. It has been observed that studies on animals have caused damage and irritation in the organs when used at low rates. It is absorbed through the skin surface.

 
CETEARETH-20
Ceteareth-20 is the polyethylene glycol ether of cetearyl alcohol. Ceteareth-20 functions as an emollient, surfactant and emulsifier. It is used in cosmetics such as facial moisturizer, conditioner, anti-aging treatment, conditioner, cleanser, sunscreen, exfoliant/scrub, depilatory cream and acne treatment.
CETEARETH-20 is classified as :
Cleansing
Emulsifying
Surfactant
CAS Number    68439-49-6
COSING REF No:    75105
Chem/IUPAC Name:    C16-18 alcohols, ethoxylated (20 mol EO average molar ratio)

Ceteareth-20
Non-ionic polyoxyethylene ether of higher saturated fatty alcohols (cetyl/stearyl alcohol). White pellets, no odor. Dissolves in water & alcohol to form a colloid solution. Can be mixed with mineral, vegetable or synthetic fats and oils. HLB value 15-17 (gives oil-in-water emulsions).

Ceteareth-20

What Is Ceteareth-20?
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 Ceteareth-20 used in cosmetics and personal care products?
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.

Ceteareth-20
WHAT-IT-DOES: emulsifying, surfactant/cleansing
IRRITANCY: 3 
COMEDOGENICITY: 2 
Official CosIng Information

Details
A common functional ingredient that helps to keep the oil-loving and water-loving ingredients together (emulsifier), stabilizes and thickens the products. 

Chemically speaking, it is ethoxylated Cetearyl alcohol, meaning that some ethylene oxide is added to the fatty alcohol to increase the water-soluble part in the molecule. The result is that the mainly oil soluble, emollient fatty alcohol is converted to an emulsifier molecule that keeps oil and water mixed in creams. The number in the name of Ceteareth emulsifiers refers to the average number of ethylene oxide molecules added and 20 makes a good emulsifier.

TOXIC INGREDIENT: Ceteareth-20
WHAT IS IT? Ceteareth-20 is a penetration enhancer which alters the skin structure, allowing substances to penetrate deeper into the skin. Made from Cetearyl Alcohol (a mixture of cetyl and stearyl alcohol and ethylene oxide), this chemical ingredient is commonly found in a number of skin care products, moisturizers, hair conditioners, suntan and indoor tanning products and hair dyes, colors and tints.
HEALTH RISK: Ceteareth-20 is considered a moderate to severe health hazard by cosmetics researchers and is restricted for use in cosmetics. It is highly unsafe to use on irritation or damaged skin. Studies have shown that this chemical ingredient is potentially contaminated with Ethylene Oxide and I,4-dioxane – two known cancer causing substances. According to the EWC Cosmetics Database:

“The carcinogen 1,4-dioxane contaminates up to 46% of personal care products tested (OCA 2008, EWG 2008). The chemical is an unwanted byproduct of an ingredient processing method called ethoxylation used to reduce the risk of skin irritation for petroleum-based ingredients. Though 1,4-dioxane can easily be removed from products before they are sold, its widespread presence in products indicates that many manufacturers fail to take this simple step.”

Being a penetration enhancer, Ceteareth-20 works to speed the passage of these chemicals directly into your bloodstream.
Much more research needs to be conducted on this ingredient before we start applying it onto our faces, into our hair and introducing it into our bloodstream. Avoid this chemical when purchasing your beauty products.

Ceteareth-20 is a good all round emulsifier which is compatible with a large range of oils. Ceteareth-20 gives a good shine and silkiness to your finished product

What Is Ceteareth-20?
Ceteareth-20 is a skincare and cosmetic ingredient used to improve the texture and stability of products. Ceteareth is a synthetic compound that functions as an emulsifier and surfactant in formulations. 

The group of ceteareth ingredients are synthetic compounds that are synthesized through a process known as ethoxylation, a chemical reaction in which ethylene oxide is added to a substrate. In regards to the ceteareth ingredients, there are two substrates: cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol, which are both naturally derived from coconut oil. The number associated with the ceteareth- 20 indicates the average number of repeating ethylene oxide units in the molecule, in this case 20. There are a total of 32 different types of ceteareth ingredients.

Ceteareth-20
THE GOOD:Ceteareth-20 helps to improve the texture and stability of a product. 

THE NOT SO GOOD:There are concerns about the presence of 1,4-dioxane in this ingredient. This concern is less relevant nowadays as the process of purifying ceteareth-20 is highly regulated.   

WHO IS IT FOR?All skin types except those that have an identified allergy to it. 

SYNERGETIC INGREDIENTS:Works well with most ingredients.  

KEEP AN EYE ON:Nothing to keep an eye on here. 

What Is Ceteareth-20 Used For?
Ceteareth-20 functions as a surfactant and an emulsifier in many different cosmetics and skincare products, including facial moisturizers, anti-aging treatments, conditioners, cleansers, sunscreens, exfoliants, and acne treatments.

Surfactant
Surfactant is the other name for surface active agents. Surfactants are compounds that lower the surface tension between two substances, such as two liquids or a liquid and a solid. In skincare products, surfactants work to degrease and emulsify oils and fats and suspend dirt, allowing them to be washed away. This is possible because while one end of the surfactant molecule is attracted to water, the other end is attracted to oil. Thus, surfactants attract the oil, dirt, and other impurities that have accumulated on your skin during the day and wash them away. Due to these properties, ceteareth-20 can be found in many different cleansers and body washes.

Emulsifier and stabilizer
Ceteareth-20 also functions as an emulsifier. An emulsifier is needed for products that contain both water and oil components, for example, when oils are added to a water-based formula. When water and oil are mixed together they will often separate and split in the product over time. To address this problem, an emulsifier can be added to produce a stable emulsion.

As an emulsifier, ceteareth-20 consists of a water-loving hydrophilic head and an oil-loving hydrophobic tail. The hydrophilic head is directed to the aqueous phase and the hydrophobic tail to the oil phase. Once again, ceteareth-20 reduces the surface tension by positioning itself at the oil/water or air/water interface, which has a stabilizing effect on the emulsion.

Is Ceteareth-20 Safe?
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel, a group responsible for evaluating the safety of skincare and cosmetic ingredients reviewed the scientific data and concluded that the ceteareth ingredients were safe as used in cosmetic products. The CIR Expert Panel noted that ceteareth ingredients should not be used on damaged skin. This conclusion was based on research that kidney damage resulted when polyethylene glycol (PEG) ingredients were applied to the damaged skin of burn patients. Since ceteareth ingredients are the polyethylene glycol ethers of cetearyl alcohol, the CIR Expert Panel recommends avoiding use of ceteareth ingredients on damaged skin.

Despite the approval by the CIR Expert Panel, ceteareth-20 is often called a ‘toxic’ ingredient that should be avoided. One reason ceteareth-20 has received a bad reputation is due to possible contamination with 1,4-dioxane. This is because the process of ethoxylation may lead to contamination with 1,4-dioxane, a potentially dangerous by-product. 1,4-dioxane is a known animal carcinogen that penetrates readily into the skin. According to the National Toxicology Program, ‘1,4-dioxane is reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen.’ It has also been linked with skin allergies. However, the potential presence of 1,4-dioxane can be controlled through purification steps to remove it before blending ceteareth-20 into cosmetic formulations.