CETEARETH-27

Ceteareth-27 is used in cosmetic / personal care formulations, primarily for its emulsifying, solubilizing, and surfactant properties.
Ceteareth-27 can be used in hair conditioners, especially in leave-on or rinse-off products, helping distribute oils/emollients, smoothing hair surface, improving manageability.

CAS Number: 68439-49-6 
EC Number: 500-212-8
Molecular Formula: C₁₆₋₁₈H₃₄₋₆₆O₂₇
Molecular Weight: Approximately 1,200 g/mol

SYNONYMS:
alcohols C16-18 ethoxylated (PEG-27), C16-18 alcohols, ethoxylated (27 mol EO average molar ratio), Hetoxol CS-27, PEG-27 cetyl/stearyl ether, polyethylene glycol (27) cetyl/stearyl ether, polyoxyethylene (27) cetyl/stearyl alcohol ether, polyoxyethylene (27) cetyl/stearyl ether, alcohols C16-18 ethoxylated (peg-27), C16-18 alcohols, ethoxylated (27 mol EO average molar ratio), hetoxol CS-27, peg-27 cetyl/stearyl ether, polyethylene glycol (27) cetyl/stearyl ether, polyoxyethylene (27) cetyl/stearyl alcohol ether, polyoxyethylene (27) cetyl/stearyl ether, CETEARETH-27, PEG-27 CETYL/STEARYL ETHER, POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL (27) CETYL/STEARYL ETHER, POLYOXYETHYLENE (27) CETYL/STEARYL ETHER, PEG-27 cetyl/stearyl ether, polyoxyethylene (27) cetyl/stearyl ether, alcohols C16-18 ethoxylated (27 mol EO average), HETOXOL CS-27,

Ceteareth-27 is a synthetic, nonionic surfactant derived from cetearyl alcohol—a mixture of fatty alcohols obtained from natural oils and fats—combined with approximately 27 units of ethylene oxide. 
Belonging to the broader ceteareth family, Ceteareth-27 functions as an emulsifier, solubilizer, and cleansing agent in cosmetics and personal care products. 

Its structure gives Ceteareth-27 both water-loving and oil-loving properties, allowing it to stabilize formulations that contain mixed phases. 
Because of its relatively higher degree of ethoxylation, Ceteareth-27 is especially effective at dispersing oil-soluble ingredients into aqueous systems, making it useful in creams, lotions, hair conditioners, and cleansing products.

Ceteareth-27 belongs to the Ceteareth family of non-ionic ethoxylated fatty alcohols; in Ceteareth-n, the “n” is the average number of ethylene oxide (EO) units.
Higher “n” means more hydrophilicity.

Ceteareth-27 is derived from cetyl/stearyl alcohols (fatty alcohols) plus ethoxylation (≈ 27 EO units average) to yield properties suitable for stabilizing emulsions and aiding solubilization.
Ceteareth-27 is a nonionic surfactant and ethoxylated fatty alcohol derivative, combining cetearyl alcohol (a mixture of cetyl and stearyl alcohols) with, on average, 27 units of ethylene oxide. 

Because of its molecular architecture, Ceteareth-27 has a balance of lipophilic (oil-attracting) and hydrophilic (water-attracting) properties. 
This makes Ceteareth-27 suitable for roles that require bridging oil and water phases in formulations, such as emulsification, stabilization, and solubilization.

USES and APPLICATIONS of CETEARETH-27:
Ceteareth-27 is used in cosmetic / personal care formulations, primarily for its emulsifying, solubilizing, and surfactant properties.
As a surfactant / cleansing agent: Ceteareth-27 helps remove oils, dirt, makeup etc. from skin or hair surfaces when combined with water.
As an emulsifier: Ceteareth-27 is particularly in formulations where oil and water need to remain stably mixed (creams, lotions, body butters, etc.).

Ceteareth-27 is given high EO, good for O/W emulsions.
As a solubilizer / wetting agent: Ceteareth-27 helps solubilize lipophilic ingredients, aids dispersion in formulation.
Wetting agents help active ingredients spread more evenly.

High-oil phase emulsions: Because of its relatively high EO number, Ceteareth-27 can help stabilize emulsions with a greater proportion of oil relative to water without causing phase separation.
This is useful in richer creams, butters, balms.

Conditioner / hair care adjuncts: Ceteareth-27 can be used in hair conditioners, especially in leave-on or rinse-off products, helping distribute oils/emollients, smoothing hair surface, improving manageability.
(By virtue of its fatty alcohol backbone + EO chain)

Skin feel modifiers: In formulations where a smooth “spreading” feel is desired (creams, lotions), Ceteareth-27 can improve glide, reduce tackiness, help even dispersion of emollient ingredients.

Formulations with botanical oils, actives, or essential oils: Ceteareth-27 helps incorporate those lipophilic actives into aqueous preparations more stably (i.e. helps “solubilize” or keep dispersed oil phase) so the product looks better, performs better.

ROLE IN THE “CETEARETH FAMILY” of CETEARETH-27:
Within the ceteareth series, lower “n” values (e.g. 2–18) generally favor emulsification (helping oil + water mix), while mid-to higher “n” values (20–40) are more oriented to solubilization and cleansing applications. Ceteareth-27 is on the “higher side” of that range, giving it stronger solubilizing / surfactant behavior, not just emulsifying behavior. 

FUNCTIONAL CAPABILITIES of CETEARETH-27:
Ceteareth-27 can act as a surfactant, helping to cleanse or assist in mixing of water and oils in wash-off or rinse formulations. 
Ceteareth-27 supports emulsification, i.e. maintaining stability in formulations that contain both aqueous and oily ingredients. 

Because of its relatively higher ethoxylation number, Ceteareth-27 is better at solubilizing lipophilic ingredients into aqueous phases than lower-ethoxylated relatives. 

BENEFITS & CHARACTERISTICS of CETEARETH-27:
Here are what make Ceteareth-27 useful / what its characteristics are:
Strong hydrophilic character due to high ethylene oxide content → good water solubility or dispersibility, Ceteareth-27 helps in achieving smooth texture in creams and lotions.

Non-ionic nature → generally more compatible with wide range of other ingredients (emollients, oils, other non-ionic or weak ionic surfactants), less sensitive to pH shifts / electrolytes.

Good emulsifying and cleansing functions without being harsh; Ceteareth-27 can help soften skin / hair because the fatty alcohol backbone (cetyl/stearyl) contributes emollient feel.
Can help with spreading / application properties — formulations with Ceteareth-27 tend to feel smoother, less likely to separate oil from water phases.

FUNCTIONS of CETEARETH-27:
*Cleansing Agent, 
*Emulsifier

CHARACTERISTIC MORE DETAIL of CETEARETH-27:
***Hydrophilic-lipophilic balance 
The higher EO content makes Ceteareth-27 quite hydrophilic, improving its capacity to stabilize emulsions where water is the continuous phase, and help dilute thick oil phases.

***Emulsion stability / shelf life 
Ceteareth-27 contributes to longer stability of creams and lotions; less tendency for phase separation over time, especially under varying temperature/storage conditions.

***Texture enhancement 
Ceteareth-27 adds smoothness; reduces “grittiness” or lumpiness in products; improves spreadability (skin application pleasantness).

***Compatibility with other emulsifiers / thickening agents 
Ceteareth-27 can be blended with other emulsifiers/emollients to “tune” viscosity, stability, feel; works well with gelling agents/thickeners.

***Mildness / cosmetic acceptability 
While any ethoxylated surfactant has potential sensitivity issues, Ceteareth-27 is generally considered mild when properly formulated; minimal irritation in many cosmetic formulations.

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-27:
CAS Number: 68439-49-6 
EC Number: 500-212-8
Molecular Formula: C₁₆₋₁₈H₃₄₋₆₆O₂₇
Molecular Weight: Approximately 1,200 g/mol
Appearance / Physical Form: Likely white to off-white waxy solid or flakes (solid state at ambient); 
typical of high EO ceteareth compounds. 
There is limited explicit data for appearance in all sources, but by analogy with other Ceteareths.
Appearance: White to off-white waxy solid or flakes

Solubility / Dispersibility: Dispersible/emulsifiable in water with heat/agitation; 
more soluble when warm; also soluble / compatible with many non-ionic solvents / oils. 
(As with other high-EO ceteareths)
Hydrophile-Lipophile Balance (HLB): Since EO number is fairly high (27), this gives it strong hydrophilic character — good for oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions, solubilizing/wetting functions. 
Specific HLB value is not clearly given in sources I found.
Odor / Color / General Organoleptic: Little to no strong odor; color white/off-white; 
minimal inherent fragrance or odor typical for such ethoxylated alcohols

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

FIRST AID MEASURES of CETEARETH-27:
-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-27:
-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-27:
-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-27:
-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-27:
-Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities:
*Storage conditions:
Tightly closed. 
Dry.

STABILITY and REACTIVITY of CETEARETH-27:
-Chemical stability:
The product is chemically stable under standard ambient conditions (room temperature).
-Possibility of hazardous reactions:
No data available