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Ceteareth-24 helps stabilize oil-in-water emulsions and reduce surface tension between oil-water phases.
Ceteareth-24 is used in skin care products, moisturizers, hair conditioners, sunscreens / sun protection products, indoor tanning / suntan products, and hair dyes, colors, and tints.
CAS Number: 68439-49-6
EC Number: 500-212-8
Molecular Formula: C₁₆₋₁₈H₃₄₋₆₆O₂₄
Molecular Weight: Approximately 1,100 g/mol
SYNONYMS:
alcohols C16-18, ethoxylated (24 mol EO average molar ratio), PEG-24 cetyl/stearyl ether, polyoxyethylene (24) cetyl/stearyl alcohol ether, polyoxyethylene (24) cetyl/stearyl ether, HETOXOL CS-24, alcohols C16-18 ethoxylated (peg-24), C16-18 alcohols, ethoxylated (24 mol EO average molar ratio), hetoxol CS-24, peg-24 cetyl/stearyl ether, polyethylene glycol (24) cetyl/stearyl ether, polyoxyethylene (24) cetyl/stearyl alcohol ether, polyoxyethylene (24) cetyl/stearyl ether
Ceteareth-24 is a polyethylene glycol ether of Cetearyl Alcohol (q.v.).
Ceteareth-24 is a versatile synthetic ingredient widely used in modern cosmetics and personal care formulations.
Ceteareth-24 belongs to the family of fatty alcohol ethoxylates, combining the emollient nature of long-chain fatty alcohols with the solubilizing power of polyoxyethylene groups.
This dual character makes Ceteareth-24 a valuable tool for creating stable emulsions and improving the sensory feel of creams and lotions.
Unlike simple emulsifiers, Ceteareth-24 not only helps oil and water blend but also enhances the spreadability and absorption of a product on the skin or hair.
Ceteareth-24's balanced structure allows formulators to design products that feel light and smooth while remaining stable over time.
Because of this, Ceteareth-24 is often chosen for leave-on skincare, hair conditioning products, and sun-care formulations where performance and pleasant texture are equally important.
Ceteareth-24 is an ethoxylated derivative of cetearyl (cetyl/stearyl) alcohols.
In more technical terms, it's a “polyoxyethylene (24) cetyl/stearyl ether.”
The “24” indicates the average number of ethylene oxide units that have been added.
In the realm of cosmetic chemistry and personal care formulations, Ceteareth-24 is a member of the important class of nonionic ethoxylated surfactants.
As such, Ceteareth-24 plays a bridging role between oil and water phases in formulations, helping them stay mixed and stable.
The name “Ceteareth-24” gives hints about both its origin and structure:
“Ceteareth” implies that its alkyl (fatty) portion comes from cetearyl alcohol (a mixture of cetyl and stearyl alcohols)
The “-24” indicates the average number of ethylene oxide (EO) units that have been grafted onto the cetearyl alcohol backbone. That is, on average, about 24 repeat –O–CH₂–CH₂– units are attached.
Because of this structure, Ceteareth-24 shows both lipophilic (fat-loving) and hydrophilic (water-loving) character, making it suitable to function where oil and water phases meet.
USES and APPLICATIONS of CETEARETH-24:
Ceteareth-24 is used in skin care products, moisturizers, hair conditioners, sunscreens / sun protection products, indoor tanning / suntan products, and hair dyes, colors, and tints.
Because of its ethoxylation degree (24 EO units), Ceteareth-24 tends toward stronger solubilizing capacity and better performance in formulations needing to dissolve or disperse lipophilic actives in aqueous phases.
Works as an emulsifier: Ceteareth-24 helps stabilize oil-in-water emulsions and reduce surface tension between oil-water phases.
You may find Ceteareth-24 in creams, lotions, hair conditioners, skin cleansers, hair dyes, sun-care products, and in formulations requiring stability in emulsions.
FUNCTIONAL USES of CETEARETH-24 IN FORMULATIONS:
Ceteareth-24 is used in cosmetics and personal care products for several roles:
*Emulsifier
One of Ceteareth-24'primary roles is to help stabilize emulsions (mixtures of oil and water).
Because Ceteareth-24 is amphiphilic (having both a water-loving and a fat-loving end), it helps reduce interfacial tension between the oil and water phases, facilitating a stable blend.
*Surfactant / cleansing aid
Ceteareth-24 also acts as a surfactant (or “wetting agent”), helping to solubilize oils, dirt, or other insoluble ingredients into a medium so they can be more easily rinsed or dispersed.
*Solubilization / dissolving aid
In some formulations, Ceteareth-24 helps dissolve ingredients that otherwise would not mix well in the vehicle (e.g. oil-soluble actives in aqueous systems).
CHEMICAL STRUCTURE of CETEARETH-24:
Ceteareth-24 is a non-ionic surfactant produced by ethoxylating cetearyl alcohol (a mixture of cetyl and stearyl alcohols) with an average of 24 ethylene oxide (EO) units.
The general structure can be represented as:
C₁₆₋₁₈H₃₄₋₆₆O–(C₂H₄O)₂₄–OH
Where C₁₆₋₁₈H₃₄₋₆₆O represents the cetearyl alcohol backbone, and (C₂H₄O)₂₄ represents the ethylene oxide units.
CHEMICAL CLASS / FAMILY of CETEARETH-24:
It belongs to the “ceteareth” family; the INCI prefix “ceteareth-n” refers to polyoxyethylene ethers of cetearyl alcohols (a mixture of cetyl and stearyl alcohols).
These compounds are nonionic surfactants—i.e. they don’t carry a positive or negative charge, which often gives them milder interactions with skin and reduces incompatibility with other ionic ingredients.
FUNCTIONS (INCI) of CETEARETH-24:
*Cleansing :
Ceteareth-24 helps to keep a clean surface.
*Emulsifying :
Ceteareth-24 promotes the formation of intimate mixtures between immiscible liquids by modifying the interfacial tension (water and oil).
*Surfactant :
Ceteareth-24 reduces the surface tension of cosmetics and contributes to the even distribution of the product when it is used
PHYSICAL / CHEMICAL BEHAVIOR of CETEARETH-24:
Ceteareth-24 is a synthetic ingredient (not naturally occurring).
Its ethoxylated structure means Ceteareth-24’s part of a class of compounds that must be carefully purified to avoid trace contaminants (by-products, residual reactants).
Its balance of hydrophilicity vs lipophilicity is tuned by “24” — too few EO units, and Ceteareth-24 becomes too oil-loving (less soluble in water); too many, and it may be too water-loving (less effective for carrying oils).
BENEFITS & CHARACTERISTICS of CETEARETH-24:
Good ability to stabilize emulsions, giving smoother texture in creams/lotions etc.
*Enhances the feel / spreadability of cosmetic and personal-care products:
Ceteareth-24 helps ingredients distribute uniformly.
*Because of its level of ethoxylation, provides a balance:
sufficiently hydrophilic to mix with water, yet retaining some lipophilic compatibility to interact well with oils/emollients.
*Helps with cleansing:
Ceteareth-24 reduces interfacial tension so oils, dirt etc. can be removed when rinsed.
KEY FEATURES & DISTINGUISHING TRAITS of CETEARETH-24:
Here are a few more refined points about Ceteareth-24:
Position in the “Ceteareth series”
The ceteareth family includes a range of homologs (e.g. Ceteareth-2, -4, -10, -20, -24, -40, etc.), each differing by how many ethylene oxide units are present. The higher the “n” (the number), the more hydrophilic (water-friendly) the molecule tends to become.
Ceteareth-24 lies in a mid-to upper range (commonly in the 20–40 band) where the compound is more suited for solubilizing and cleansing roles (beyond pure emulsification) compared to lower “n” ceteareths.
FUNCTION(S) of CETEARETH-24 IN COSMETIC PRODUCTS
*CLEANSING
Ceteareth-24 cleans skin, hair or teeth.
*SURFACTANT - CLEANSING
Surface-active agent to clean skin, hair and / or teeth.
*SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING
Ceteareth-24 allows the formation of finely dispersed mixtures of oil and water (emulsions).
EFFECT OF “N” (THE 24 IN CETEARETH-24)
The “n” value (24 in this case) influences properties such as hydrophilicity (how water-loving it is), solubility, and how aggressively it interacts with other ingredients.
Lower “n” ceteareths tend to be more lipophilic (oil-loving) and better for emulsifying oil phases; higher “n” ones are more hydrophilic and better at helping with solubilization in water phases.
FUNCTIONAL ROLES IN FORMULATIONS of CETEARETH-24:
Because of its intermediate hydrophilic/hydrophobic balance, Ceteareth-24 can serve in multiple capacities:
Emulsifier — Ceteareth-24 helps oil and water phases stay mixed.
Cleansing / Surfactant — Ceteareth-24 helps solubilize oils, dirt, or other nonpolar components so they can be rinsed away.
Solubilizing aid — Ceteareth-24 helps dissolve ingredients (e.g. lipophilic actives) into media where they wouldn’t normally dissolve.
PHYSICAL & CHEMICAL PROPERTIES of CETEARETH-24:
Ceteareth-24 is an ethoxylated fatty alcohol (cetyl/stearyl base) with an average of 24 ethylene oxide units.
*Appearance:
typically waxy solid / flakes, white to off-white.
*Solubility:
Ceteareth-24 is dispersible in water when warmed and with agitation; more readily soluble in compatible non-ionic solvents or oils.
*Function in formulation:
Ceteareth-24 acts as a non-ionic surfactant, emulsifier, cleansing agent in cosmetics and personal care products.
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-24:
Appearance: White to off-white waxy solid or flakes
Odor: Slight characteristic odor
Melting Point: Approximately 50–55°C
Solubility: Soluble in hot water; resistant to hard water
Density: Approximately 0.97–1.02 g/mL at 25°C
HLB (Hydrophilic-Lipophilic Balance): Approximately 16.5 (products.pcc.eu)
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
CAS Number: 68439-49-6
EC / EINECS Number: 500-212-8
Molecular Formula: C₁₆₋₁₈H₃₄₋₆₆O₂₄
Molecular Weight: Approximately 1,100 g/mol
Its INCI (International Nomenclature for Cosmetics Ingredients) name is Ceteareth-24.
Its CAS number is 68439-49-6.
In the European CosIng database, it is listed as “C16-18 alcohols, ethoxylated (24 mol EO average molar ratio).”
FIRST AID MEASURES of CETEARETH-24:
-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-24:
-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-24:
-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-24:
-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-24:
-Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities:
*Storage conditions:
Tightly closed.
Dry.
STABILITY and REACTIVITY of CETEARETH-24:
-Chemical stability:
The product is chemically stable under standard ambient conditions (room temperature).
-Possibility of hazardous reactions:
No data available
