Ceteareth-20 (Cetearyl Alcohol Ethoxylate) - emulsifier, surfactant, solvent

INCI Name

Ceteareth-20

Functions

3 Roles

Sustainability

6/10

What It Does

A nonionic ethoxylated fatty alcohol that functions as an oil-in-water emulsifier and mild surfactant. Commonly used in creams and lotions to create stable emulsions with good skin feel.

Stabilizes oil-water mixtures

Creates elegant cream textures

Enables layered formulations

Improves ingredient distribution

Technical Properties

HLB Value

15.7

Hydrophilic-Lipophilic Balance

Ionic Charge

nonionic

Molecular charge type

Viscosity Effect

neutral

Impact on formula thickness

Foaming Ability

low

Lather generation

Ingredient Compatibility

Known Interactions

DIHYDROXYACETONEUse Cautionperoxide_oxidation

Ethoxylated surfactants (Ceteareth-*, PEG-*, Polysorbate-*, Poloxamer-*) accumulate peroxides over shelf life via air oxidation of the polyoxyethylene chain. The resulting peroxides degrade DHA, accelerating off-smell and producing orange tones. For DHA formulations, prefer non-ethoxylated emulsifiers: Polyglyceryl-* esters (Polyglyceryl-6 Distearate, Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate), Lecithin, Sucrose Stearate, Olivem 1000 (Cetearyl Olivate + Sorbitan Olivate).

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