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

Works Well With

nonionic surfactantsanionic surfactantsemollientshumectantsmost actives

Avoid Combining

strong acidsstrong baseshigh concentrations of electrolytes

Compatibility analysis powered by OpenMix — open-source formulation science

Sustainability Profile

Sustainability Score

6/10

Biodegradability

readily biodegradable

Source

mixed

Feedstock

fatty alcohols and ethylene oxide

Related Ingredients

Similar emulsifiers to explore

PEG-150 Distearate

Polyethylene Glycol 150 Distearate

Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer

Carbomer Copolymer

Cetearyl Alcohol (and) Ceteth-20 (and) Glyceryl Stearate (and) Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate (and) Crambe Abyssinica Seed Oil (and) Sodium Polyacrylate

Emulsifying Wax Complex

Cetearyl Olivate (and) Sorbitan Olivate

Olivem 1000

Cetearyl Olivate and Sorbitan Olivate

Olivem 1000

Quick Reference

Full INCI Name: Ceteareth-20
Common Name: Cetearyl Alcohol Ethoxylate
Category: emulsifiers

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