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Steareth 20 is a nonionic surfactant and emulsifier formed by ethoxylation of stearyl alcohol, and Steareth 20 is widely used to solubilize oils, stabilize emulsions, and improve texture in cosmetic and personal care formulations.
Steareth 20 is commonly used in creams, lotions, cleansers, and hair care products where Steareth 20 supports oil-in-water emulsification, improves spreading, and enhances formulation stability across storage conditions.
Steareth 20 is valued for strong emulsifying power, good compatibility with many cosmetic ingredients, and reliable performance as a co-emulsifier and solubilizer, but Steareth 20 ethoxylated raw materials are typically controlled for impurities according to supplier specifications.
CAS Number: 9005-00-9 (commonly associated; ethoxylated alcohol mixture)
EC Number: 500-017-8 (typical polymer/ethoxylate listing; grade dependent)
Molecular Formula: Variable (ethoxylated stearyl alcohol mixture)
Molecular Weight: Variable (average depends on ethoxylation degree)
Synonyms: Steareth 20, Stearyl Alcohol Ethoxylate (20 EO), Polyoxyethylene (20) Stearyl Ether, Steareth-20, Steareth 20 Emulsifier, Nonionic Surfactant Steareth 20, PEG-20 Stearyl Ether (common naming), Stearyl Polyether 20, Steareth 20 Solubilizer, Ethoxylated Stearyl Alcohol 20, Stearyl Alcohol 20EO, Steareth 20 Co-Emulsifier, Steareth 20, Steareth-20, STEARETH 20, STEARETH-20, Stearyl Alcohol Ethoxylate (20 EO), Stearyl Alcohol Ethoxylate 20, Stearyl Alcohol 20EO, Stearyl Alcohol + 20 EO, Polyoxyethylene (20) Stearyl Ether, Polyoxyethylene Stearyl Ether (20), Poly(oxyethylene) (20) Stearyl Ether, Polyethylene Glycol Stearyl Ether, PEG Stearyl Ether, PEG-20 Stearyl Ether, PEG-20 Stearyl Alcohol Ether, PEG-20 Stearyl Alcohol, PEG(20) Stearyl Ether, PEG(20) Stearyl Alcohol Ether, Stearyl Polyoxyethylene Ether, Stearyl Poly(oxyethylene) Ether, Stearyl Alcohol Polyoxyethylene Ether, Stearyl Alcohol Poly(oxyethylene) 20, Stearyl Alcohol Ethoxylated 20, Ethoxylated Stearyl Alcohol (20), Ethoxylated Stearyl Alcohol 20EO, Ethoxylated Octadecyl Alcohol 20EO, Octadecyl Alcohol Ethoxylate (20 EO), C18 Alcohol Ethoxylate 20EO, C18 Ethoxylated Alcohol 20EO, Polyoxyethylene Stearyl Alcohol, Polyoxyethylene-20 Stearyl Alcohol, Polyoxyethylene (20) Octadecyl Ether, Polyoxyethylene (20) Octadecyl Alcohol Ether, Stearyl EO20, Stearyl EO-20, Stearyl Ether EO20, Stearyl Ether EO-20, Stearyl Alcohol Ether EO20, Stearyl Alcohol Ether EO-20, Stearyl PEG-20 Ether, Stearyl PEG20 Ether, Stearyl PEG20 Alcohol Ether, Stearyl PEG20, Stearyl PEG-20, Steareth 20 (Nonionic Surfactant), Steareth-20 (Nonionic Surfactant), Steareth 20 Emulsifier, Steareth 20 Solubilizer, Steareth 20 Surfactant, Steareth 20 Wetting Agent, Steareth 20 Detergent, Steareth 20 Dispersant, Steareth 20 Cosmetic Grade, Steareth 20 Personal Care Grade, Steareth 20 NF, Steareth 20 Ph. Eur., Steareth 20 USP/NF, Steareth 20 BP, Steareth 20 EP, Steareth 20 FCC, Steareth 20 Technical Grade, Steareth 20 High Purity, Steareth 20 Flakes, Steareth 20 Pastilles
APPLICATIONS
Steareth 20 is used as a nonionic surfactant and emulsifier in personal care formulations.
Steareth 20 is used to form and stabilize oil-in-water emulsions in creams and lotions.
Steareth 20 helps reduce interfacial tension to improve emulsion stability and texture.
Steareth 20 is used in facial moisturizers to improve spreadability and reduce greasy feel.
Steareth 20 supports uniform distribution of oils, esters, and silicones in skin care products.
Steareth 20 helps create smooth, elegant sensory profiles in leave-on emulsions.
Steareth 20 is used in body lotions and body creams as a primary or co-emulsifier.
Steareth 20 supports stable viscosity and reduces phase separation during shelf life.
Steareth 20 helps maintain consistent product appearance across temperature cycling.
Steareth 20 is used in hand creams and barrier creams to stabilize rich oil phases.
Steareth 20 helps emulsify waxes and fatty alcohols for creamy texture.
Steareth 20 supports improved rub-in and reduced whitening during application.
Steareth 20 is used in sunscreen emulsions as an emulsifier and solubilizing aid.
Steareth 20 supports dispersion of UV filters and oily actives in O/W bases.
Steareth 20 helps improve uniform film formation and product aesthetics.
Steareth 20 is used in after-sun products to stabilize soothing oil phases and actives.
Steareth 20 supports consistent delivery of emollients and skin-conditioning ingredients.
Steareth 20 helps reduce oil separation in cooling gels and lotions.
Steareth 20 is used in cleansing creams and milky cleansers as an emulsifying surfactant.
Steareth 20 helps lift oils and makeup residues for easier rinse-off.
Steareth 20 supports mild cleansing performance when blended with other surfactants.
Steareth 20 is used in micellar-type cleansing concepts as a solubilizer for oils and fragrances.
Steareth 20 supports clear or slightly opalescent solutions depending on formulation.
Steareth 20 helps reduce haze and improves stability in surfactant solutions.
Steareth 20 is used in makeup removers to solubilize oils and improve rinseability.
Steareth 20 supports stable biphasic or emulsified remover systems.
Steareth 20 helps reduce greasy residue after cleansing.
Steareth 20 is used in hair conditioners as a nonionic emulsifier for oils and conditioning agents.
Steareth 20 supports uniform distribution of emollients and silicones in conditioner bases.
Steareth 20 helps improve slip and combability when part of an optimized system.
Steareth 20 is used in hair masks to stabilize high oil loads and improve creamy texture.
Steareth 20 supports even deposition of hair-conditioning ingredients.
Steareth 20 helps maintain stable viscosity during storage in jars and tubs.
Steareth 20 is used in shampoos as a solubilizer for fragrances and oily additives.
Steareth 20 supports incorporation of essential oils in surfactant systems.
Steareth 20 helps reduce separation and improves clarity in certain shampoo bases.
Steareth 20 is used in shower gels and body washes to solubilize perfumes and opacifiers.
Steareth 20 supports stable clarity or controlled pearlescence depending on design.
Steareth 20 helps maintain uniform appearance in surfactant-based cleansers.
Steareth 20 is used in bath oils and bath emulsions to help disperse oils in bath water.
Steareth 20 supports self-emulsifying bath oil concepts for milky bath appearance.
Steareth 20 helps reduce ring formation and improves rinse profile in bath products.
Steareth 20 is used in facial toners and essences as a solubilizer for fragrance components.
Steareth 20 supports clear solution products with small oil loads.
Steareth 20 helps prevent floating droplets and improves aesthetic clarity.
Steareth 20 is used in perfumes and fragrance concentrates as a solubilizer in water-based sprays.
Steareth 20 supports hydro-alcoholic systems where additional solubilization is needed.
Steareth 20 helps reduce clouding and improves stability in fine fragrance mists.
Steareth 20 is used in makeup and foundation products to stabilize emulsion systems.
Steareth 20 supports pigment wetting and improved product spread.
Steareth 20 helps maintain consistent viscosity and reduces separation in liquid makeup.
Steareth 20 is used in BB creams and tinted moisturizers to improve emulsion stability and feel.
Steareth 20 supports uniform color distribution and reduced streaking on skin.
Steareth 20 helps enhance glide and improve application performance.
Steareth 20 is used in shaving creams and foams as an emulsifier and foam stabilizer in some systems.
Steareth 20 supports smooth lather and improved razor glide.
Steareth 20 helps reduce irritation perception by supporting stable emollient dispersion.
Steareth 20 is used in depilatory creams to stabilize high-alkaline emulsions in certain designs.
Steareth 20 supports consistent texture under challenging pH conditions when compatible.
Steareth 20 helps maintain even distribution of actives and oils in depilatory products.
Steareth 20 is used in deodorant creams and roll-ons to emulsify oils and stabilize texture.
Steareth 20 supports uniform distribution of fragrance and emollients.
Steareth 20 helps prevent oil separation and improves application aesthetics.
Steareth 20 is used in antiperspirant creams as a co-emulsifier to stabilize oil-in-water systems.
Steareth 20 supports consistent performance and reduced syneresis in emulsion sticks and creams.
Steareth 20 helps improve sensory feel during rub-in and dry-down.
Steareth 20 is used in baby care lotions where mild emulsification is needed.
Steareth 20 supports stable creams with gentle sensory properties.
Steareth 20 helps maintain product uniformity without heavy tack when properly balanced.
Steareth 20 is used in pharmaceutical and topical creams as a nonionic emulsifier.
Steareth 20 supports stable drug-containing emulsions and ointment-like creams.
Steareth 20 helps improve spreadability and dose uniformity in topical products.
Steareth 20 is used in dermatological cleansers to solubilize oils and reduce residue.
Steareth 20 supports mild cleansing systems for sensitive skin routines.
Steareth 20 helps improve rinse feel and reduces tightness perception in some formulas.
Steareth 20 is used in wet wipes lotions as a surfactant-solubilizer for fragrances and emollients.
Steareth 20 supports stable impregnation liquids and consistent wipe feel.
Steareth 20 helps prevent phase separation in wipe solutions during storage.
Steareth 20 is used in household and industrial cleaners as a nonionic surfactant.
Steareth 20 supports degreasing performance and improved wetting on surfaces.
Steareth 20 helps emulsify oily soils for easier removal.
Steareth 20 is used in hard-surface cleaners to improve soil removal and reduce streaking.
Steareth 20 supports stable formulations with good rinse properties.
Steareth 20 helps improve compatibility with builders and solvents in cleaning systems.
Steareth 20 is used in textile and fiber processing as a wetting agent in some applications.
Steareth 20 supports improved penetration of aqueous baths into hydrophobic fibers.
Steareth 20 helps improve uniform treatment and reduce spotting in process baths.
Steareth 20 is used in pigment and dispersion concentrates to support wetting of powders.
Steareth 20 supports improved dispersion stability in aqueous systems.
Steareth 20 helps reduce agglomeration during mixing and milling.
Steareth 20 is used in formulation R&D as a standard nonionic ethoxylate for emulsion screening.
Steareth 20 supports benchmarking of emulsification efficiency and stability.
Steareth 20 helps tune HLB balance when blended with lower-EO or higher-EO emulsifiers.
Steareth 20 is used in nanoemulsion and microemulsion exploration where nonionic surfactants are required.
Steareth 20 supports formation of small droplet emulsions with appropriate co-surfactants.
Steareth 20 helps maintain clarity and long-term stability in optimized systems.
Steareth 20 is used in viscosity-building systems with fatty alcohols and waxes to create stable creams.
Steareth 20 supports lamellar gel network formation in certain emulsion designs.
Steareth 20 helps create rich texture and improved stability in structured emulsions.
Steareth 20 is used in manufacturing to improve processing by reducing phase inversion risk in emulsions.
Steareth 20 supports robust emulsification under shear and temperature variation.
Steareth 20 helps improve batch-to-batch consistency in large-scale production.
Steareth 20 is used in quality control to evaluate cloud point and solubilization performance of nonionic surfactants.
Steareth 20 supports specification checks for ethoxylate-based surfactants.
Steareth 20 helps ensure consistent performance of finished formulations.
Steareth 20 is used in moisturizing creams to stabilize oil-in-water emulsions and improve texture.
Steareth 20 is incorporated into body lotions to enhance spreading and reduce greasy after-feel.
Steareth 20 is used in facial creams to support stable emulsions with light, elegant sensory profiles.
Steareth 20 is used in sunscreen emulsions as a co-emulsifier to help disperse oil-phase UV filters in compatible systems.
Steareth 20 is incorporated into after-sun lotions to improve consistency and reduce separation risk.
Steareth 20 is used in daily moisturizers with oils and esters to stabilize the oil phase and improve uniformity.
Steareth 20 is used in cleansing creams and cleansing lotions to solubilize oils and improve rinse feel.
Steareth 20 is incorporated into makeup removers to help lift oily soils and improve cleansing efficiency.
Steareth 20 is used in micellar and cleansing concepts as a solubilizer when compatibility supports clarity and mildness.
Steareth 20 is used in body washes to support emulsification of fragrance oils and conditioning agents.
Steareth 20 is incorporated into shower gels to improve clarity and reduce fragrance separation in compatible systems.
Steareth 20 is used in hand soaps to stabilize added emollients and maintain uniform appearance.
Steareth 20 is used in hair conditioners to improve emulsification of fatty alcohols, silicones, and oils.
Steareth 20 is incorporated into hair masks to support stable, rich textures and improved spread on hair fibers.
Steareth 20 is used in leave-on conditioners as a co-emulsifier to maintain stability and consistent deposition.
Steareth 20 is used in styling creams and pomades to stabilize waxes and oils in water-based systems.
Steareth 20 is incorporated into anti-frizz products to improve uniformity and reduce phase separation.
Steareth 20 is used in hair serums and hybrid emulsions to improve dispersion of lipophilic ingredients.
Steareth 20 is used in deodorant creams to stabilize emulsions and improve application feel.
Steareth 20 is incorporated into roll-on emulsions to support stable viscosity and reduced separation risk.
Steareth 20 is used in body sprays and emulsified mists when a nonionic emulsifier is needed for fragrance and oils.
Steareth 20 is used in cosmetic creams with botanical oils to improve stability and reduce creaming.
Steareth 20 is incorporated into formulations containing esters to improve emulsification and enhance sensory performance.
Steareth 20 is used in products containing waxes to help form stable dispersions and improve texture control.
Steareth 20 is used in skin-care masks to support creamy textures and improve rinse-off performance.
Steareth 20 is incorporated into exfoliating creams to help suspend particles and maintain uniform distribution.
Steareth 20 is used in massage creams to improve glide and support stable oil-in-water structures.
Steareth 20 is used in pharmaceutical and topical creams as a nonionic emulsifier in compatible systems.
Steareth 20 is incorporated into ointment-like emulsions to improve stability and drug distribution.
Steareth 20 is used in topical formulations where consistent texture and phase stability are required.
Steareth 20 is used in household and specialty cleaners as a nonionic surfactant to improve wetting and soil removal.
Steareth 20 is incorporated into emulsifiable concentrates to stabilize oils in water-based cleaning products.
Steareth 20 is valued because Steareth 20 provides robust nonionic emulsification and solubilization for oils, waxes, and fragrances across many rinse-off and leave-on formulations.
DESCRIPTION
Steareth 20 is a nonionic surfactant typically described as the polyethylene glycol ether of stearyl alcohol with about 20 ethylene oxide units.
Steareth 20 is commonly supplied as waxy flakes, pellets, or a semi-solid paste depending on grade and temperature.
Steareth 20 is used primarily as an oil-in-water emulsifier and solubilizer in cosmetic and household formulations.
Steareth 20 has an HLB suitable for stabilizing O/W emulsions and dispersing oily ingredients in water.
Steareth 20 reduces interfacial tension and supports formation of fine oil droplets during emulsification.
Steareth 20 can also act as a wetting agent and detergent in certain cleaning systems.
Steareth 20 is generally compatible with many cosmetic oils, esters, silicones, and fragrance components.
Steareth 20 performance depends on formulation pH, electrolyte level, oil phase composition, and processing conditions.
Steareth 20 can show cloud point behavior typical of ethoxylated nonionic surfactants in aqueous systems.
Steareth 20 can contribute to viscosity and structure in emulsions, especially when combined with fatty alcohols and waxes.
Steareth 20 can help reduce creaming and coalescence by improving droplet stabilization.
Steareth 20 can improve sensory feel by supporting smooth spread and reduced oiliness perception.
Steareth 20 may contain residual ethylene oxide or 1,4-dioxane traces depending on manufacturing and purification controls.
Steareth 20 grades intended for personal care typically follow impurity limits and quality specifications.
Steareth 20 regulatory and impurity expectations depend on region and application category.
Steareth 20 should be stored in tightly closed containers away from excessive heat and moisture contamination.
Steareth 20 is stable under normal storage conditions but can change physical form with temperature fluctuations.
Steareth 20 handling typically involves melting or warm processing to enable easy incorporation into oil phases.
Steareth 20 is a polyoxyethylene ether of stearyl alcohol and is typically supplied as a waxy solid or pastilles that melt and disperse during processing.
Steareth 20 is a mixture of ethoxylated components with an average ethoxylation degree around 20, and this structure gives Steareth 20 strong hydrophilic character for oil-in-water emulsification.
Steareth 20 reduces interfacial tension between oil and water phases, helping form stable droplets and improving long-term emulsion stability.
Steareth 20 is commonly used as a primary or secondary emulsifier and is frequently paired with fatty alcohols, glyceryl stearate, and other emulsifiers to tune texture and stability.
Steareth 20 can contribute to thicker, more structured emulsions depending on oil phase, co-emulsifiers, and polymer thickeners in the formulation.
Steareth 20 performance depends on processing temperature, mixing shear, and phase addition order, so manufacturing procedures should be optimized.
Steareth 20 should be stored in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry place, protected from excessive heat and moisture.
Steareth 20 should be handled with good manufacturing practices and appropriate hygiene to avoid contamination in cosmetic production.
Steareth 20 ethoxylated materials are typically controlled for residual impurities such as 1,4-dioxane by supplier quality systems and standard purification practices.
PROPERTIES
Common Name: Steareth 20
Chemical Type: Nonionic surfactant (ethoxylated fatty alcohol)
Appearance: Waxy solid, flakes, or pastilles (grade dependent)
Odor: Mild characteristic odor
Solubility: Dispersible in water; soluble in many surfactant and alcohol systems; compatible with oils as an emulsifier
HLB Value: High HLB typical of ~20 EO ethoxylates (system dependent)
Cloud Point: Grade dependent; influenced by concentration and electrolytes
pH Stability: Stable in typical cosmetic pH ranges (system dependent)
Melting Range: Typically wax-like melting range (grade dependent)
Viscosity Contribution: Can thicken emulsions depending on system design
Compatibility: Compatible with many oils, esters, silicones, and surfactant systems
Stability: Stable under recommended storage; may haze in high-electrolyte systems depending on design
Storage Temperature: 15–30°C, dry, tightly closed
Shelf Life: Typically 24 months in original sealed packaging (supplier dependent)
FIRST AID
Inhalation:
Move to fresh air if heated vapors or aerosols are inhaled.
Seek medical attention if respiratory irritation persists.
Avoid inhalation of mists during hot processing.
Skin Contact:
Wash with soap and water after contact.
Remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse.
Seek medical advice if irritation develops or persists.
Eye Contact:
Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes.
Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do, then continue rinsing.
Seek medical attention if irritation persists.
Ingestion:
Rinse mouth with water.
Seek medical attention if discomfort occurs or if a significant amount is swallowed.
Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.
Note to Physicians:
Treat symptomatically.
No specific antidote is required.
Provide supportive care based on exposure route and symptoms.
HANDLING AND STORAGE
Handling:
Use appropriate PPE including gloves and safety glasses.
Avoid contact with eyes and prolonged skin contact, especially during hot processing.
Wash hands after handling and before eating, drinking, or smoking.
Ventilation:
Use local exhaust or general ventilation during heated processing.
Maintain good airflow where mists or vapors may form.
Avoid buildup of airborne aerosols in enclosed areas.
Storage:
Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry place.
Protect from excessive heat to prevent softening and leakage in packaging.
Keep containers properly labeled and protected from contamination.
Spill and Leak Procedures:
For solids, collect mechanically and place into suitable containers for disposal.
For molten material, allow to cool and solidify before removal when safe to do so.
Clean residue with warm water and detergent to reduce slip hazards.
Handling Precautions:
Control heating to avoid localized overheating and minimize aerosol formation.
Verify compatibility in high-electrolyte or high-salt formulations to reduce haze risk.
Rotate stock using FIFO practices to maintain consistent performance and quality.
