CREMOPHOR A 25

Cremophor A 25 is engineered to provide excellent solubilization and dispersion of oils, esters, UV filters, vitamins, and pharmaceutical actives that are poorly soluble in water.
Cremophor A 25 possesses absorbing, protective and stability increasing properties. 
Cremophor A 25 is used in ointments, creams, liquid emulsions and gels.

CAS Number: 68439-49-6
Molecular Formula: C18H38O
EINECS Number: 939-518-5

Synonyms: (C16-C18) Alkyl alcohol ethoxylate, AliphaticC16-18-alcohol,ethoxylated, C16-18-Alkylalcohol,ethoxylate, C16-18-Alkylalcoholethoxylate, cremophor¨a25, ethoxylatedfattyalcohols(c16-18), CETEARETH-2, CETEARETH-3

Cremophor A 25 is an oil-in-water emulsifier. 
Cremophor A 25 consists mostly of a range of oil-in-water emulsifiers and non-ionic solubilizers. 
The applications of the grades vary from sun care, baby care, antiperspirant & deodorants to shower & bath products.

Cremophor A 25 is a polyoxyethylene fatty alcohol ether surfactant, produced by ethoxylation of C16–C18 fatty alcohols with approximately 25 ethylene oxide (EO) units, yielding a long polyether chain that enables strong hydrophilic interaction in aqueous systems.
Classified as a high-HLB nonionic emulsifier, it primarily supports oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions, stabilizing dispersed lipid droplets through interfacial adsorption and steric stabilization.
Its nonionic charge means it remains stable and functional across a wide pH range and maintains compatibility with anionic, cationic, amphoteric, and silicone surfactants, enabling flexible formulation design in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.

Physically, Cremophor A 25 is supplied as soft wax-like pellets/flakes with good heat stability and ease of processing, supporting both cold and hot emulsification systems.
Due to its mildness and ability to produce smooth sensory profiles, it is especially suited for skin-contact formulations, including leave-on products where comfort and irritation avoidance are critical.
Cremophor A 25 is a nonionic surfactant and emulsifier made from ethoxylated fatty alcohols, typically derived from cetyl/stearyl (C16–C18) alcohols reacted with ~25 ethylene oxide units.

Cremophor A 25 is used to form and stabilize oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and industrial formulations.
Supplied as waxy pellets or flakes, it provides excellent emulsification for both polar and nonpolar oils.
Its high HLB value gives strong hydrophilicity, enabling stable, uniform dispersion of oils in water-based systems.

Cremophor A 25 is compatible with most surfactant classes (anionic, cationic, amphoteric), which gives great formulation flexibility.
Offers low skin irritation, smooth texture, and good spreadability — ideal for topical products.
Cremophor A 25 is specifically designed as a steric stabilizing emulsifier, meaning its long polyoxyethylene chains extend into the aqueous phase to prevent droplet coalescence, reduce interfacial tension, and maintain dispersion stability over time, temperature shifts, and mechanical stress.

Its surfactant efficiency is strongly linked to its ethylene oxide chain hydration capacity, which enables dynamic restructuring at the oil–water interface — a key property for dermatological formulations containing actives such as corticosteroids, antifungals, vitamins, and antioxidants.
As a solid high-EO ethoxylate, it provides low foam generation, making it ideal for systems where foaming is undesirable, including creams, conditioners, and pharmaceutical semisolids.

Boiling point: 330–400 °C (101 kPa)
Density: 0.87 g/cm³ (21 °C)
Vapor pressure: 0–5 Pa (20 °C)
Flash point: 243 °C
Storage temperature: Store at room temperature; keep dry and cool
Solubility: H₂O: 1 g/10 mL, clear, colorless
Form: Crystals
Color: White to off-white
Odor: Mild, waxy (at 100 %)
LogP: 5.91–8.43 (22–25 °C, pH 5.25–7)
Surface tension: 67.5 mN/m (6.6 mg/L, 25 °C)

Cremophor A 25 is an oil-in-water emulsifier that is used for the production of ointments, creams, liquid emulsions, gels and other cosmetic formulations. 
It is supplied in the form of free-flowing, non-dusting micro-granules, and is an efficient protective colloid that can increase the stability of dispersed systems. 
This research grade product is intended for use in R&D only.

Cremophor A 25 belongs to the class of high-ethoxylation polyether surfactants that are optimized for thermodynamically stable oil-in-water emulsification, even for challenging lipid phases including high-molecular-weight esters, mineral oils, triglycerides, and silicone oils.
It demonstrates excellent thermal stability and maintains emulsifying efficiency during repeated heating–cooling cycles, making it suitable for heat-sensitive actives and high-end dermopharmaceuticals that require robust shelf-life performance.

The surfactant forms flexible and continuous interfacial films, driven by entropic repulsion of hydrated EO chains, which reduces the risk of Ostwald ripening, phase separation, and droplet agglomeration in long-term storage.
It exhibits rheological synergy when combined with co-emulsifiers such as fatty alcohols, glyceryl esters, and polymeric stabilizers, enabling precise tailoring of viscosity, texture, and spreadability across a spectrum of cosmetic forms — from fluid sprays to high-viscosity butters.

As a nonionic, non-reactive emulsifier, it remains functionally stable in the presence of electrolytes, actives with ionic charge, and pH-varying botanical extracts, which allows global use in complex multi-active formulations.
Enhanced solubilization behavior allows incorporation of fragrance oils, vitamin oils (A, D, E, K), CBD/hemp oils, and UV filters, ensuring uniform distribution within aqueous phases and improving product sensory quality.
The nonionic structure prevents interaction with ionic species, giving resistance to hard-water ion interference (Ca²⁺/Mg²⁺) and ensuring uniform emulsification even in high-ion environments, such as mineral-based sunscreens or antiperspirants.

Chemically, it demonstrates oxidative stability and maintains rheological consistency, which prevents viscosity drift during shelf life — crucial for premium cosmetic and medicinal applications where product feel and active delivery must remain consistent.
Cremophor A 25 can serve as both a primary emulsifier and co-emulsifier, interacting synergistically with fatty alcohols, co-surfactants, and rheology modifiers to fine-tune viscosity, sensory characteristics, and droplet size distribution.

Uses Of Cremophor A 25:
Cremophor A 25 is a polymer used in cosmetics formulations. 
An oil-In-water emulsifier that can function in ointment, cream, gel and other cosmetics formulations. 
Reagent in liquid crystal nanoparticle formulations as an oral drug delivery system for liver specific distributions.

Cremophor A 25 is used in pharmaceutical creams, ointments, and topical drug delivery systems to disperse APIs evenly.
Applied in cosmetic products like lotions, serums, sunscreens, and cleansing creams as a primary emulsifier.
Utilized to solubilize essential oils, silicones, and lipophilic actives in aqueous formulations.

Found in hair care (conditioners, masks) to improve conditioning oil distribution.
Functions as a co-emulsifier to enhance stability and texture in rich emulsions.
Used in dermocosmetics and baby care due to its mildness and good skin compatibility.

Widely used in topical pharmaceutical formulations (antibiotics, corticosteroids, antifungals) to enhance API dispersion and skin permeation.
Applied in high-performance sunscreens, stabilizing the dispersion of organic UV filters and inorganic minerals (ZnO, TiO₂) to ensure uniform skin coverage and SPF reliability.
Cremophor A 25 is utilized in anti-aging creams containing retinoids, peptides, ceramides, or coenzyme Q10, where stable emulsification of lipid actives is essential.

Found in makeup formulations such as foundations, BB/CC creams, and color cosmetics to stabilize pigments and enhance spreadability.
Used to solubilize fragrances, essential oils, and emollients in lotions, toners, and aqueous gels.
Employed in hair conditioners, serums, and masks to support uniform distribution of conditioning oils, improving softness and combability.

Involved in cosmeceuticals and dermatological treatments, where formulation clarity, consistency, and active delivery are critical performance indicators.
Integrated into alcohol-based lotions and quick-penetrating emulsions due to excellent compatibility with ethanol and glycols.
Used in sensitive skin and baby-care products for mild, irritation-free emulsification when combined with biocompatible oils.

Applied in clinical gel or cream vehicles for dermatology testing and clinical studies due to reproducible and stable rheological behavior.
Utilized in nanoparticle and dermal delivery systems, helping stabilize lipid nanoparticles, nanoemulsions, and encapsulated actives for enhanced bioavailability and controlled release on skin.
Employed in transdermal therapeutic formulations where enhanced skin penetration and stable dispersion of drug-loaded lipid droplets are required.

Applied in sprayable emulsions and aerosol creams, due to excellent spray stability and minimal nozzle clogging.
Used in dermatological barrier creams and wound-care formulations to provide film-forming stability and even coverage over damaged skin.
Found in ophthalmic ointments and periocular creams, where mildness and low irritancy are mandatory.

Incorporated into beard balms, aftershaves, and leave-on grooming products for smooth emulsification of oils and waxes with minimal residue.
Used in biotechnology as a stabilizer for lipophilic assay reagents, enabling reproducible experimental conditions.
Implemented in fragrance solubilization systems for long-lasting scent performance without phase separation.

Cremophor A 25 is used in cosmetic cleansing balms and makeup removers, ensuring uniform emulsification of oils during rinsing.
Employed in luxury skincare for its premium sensory qualities, providing velvety texture and non-greasy finish.

Safety Profile Of Cremophor A 25:
Generally considered low toxicity, but concentrated raw material may cause mild skin or eye irritation due to surfactant degreasing effects.
Inhalation of dust or particles during handling can irritate the respiratory tract — dust-control measures recommended.
Surfactants may be harmful to aquatic organisms at high concentrations; wastewater must be managed properly.

Should be stored away from strong oxidizers and excessive heat; dust may present a combustible hazard in confined air.
Generally classified as low acute toxicity and safe for cosmetic and topical pharmaceutical use, but the raw material may cause mild skin or eye irritation due to surfactant degreasing effects.
Inhalation of fine dust or vaporized particles (during industrial processing or heating) may result in respiratory irritation; proper ventilation or protective masks are recommended.

As a nonionic surfactant, Cremophor A 25 can be harmful to aquatic organisms in concentrated form due to disruption of biological membranes — wastewater should be treated before disposal.
Repeated or prolonged handling of flakes may lead to dryness or defatting of the skin, so gloves are recommended for bulk handling.

Stable under normal conditions, but avoid exposure to strong oxidizers and excessive heat to prevent degradation.
The powdered or flaked form may produce combustible dust, so ignition sources should be avoided near dust dispersion.