Ceteareth-20 is PEG-20 cetyl/stearyl ether, a polyethylene glycol with approximately 20 units long (20-mole ethoxylate of a blend of cetyl and stearyl alcohols), free of ethylene oxide-containing substances. A white, waxy solid forms either colloidal or clear solutions in water and alcohol. It is insoluble in natural fats and oils.
Ceteareth-20 is a water-in-oil emulsifier (also a co-emulsifier in oil-in-water formulas) with high emulsifying properties (HLB value - 15.5) that can serve as a mineral-oil-free emulsion base, simplifying the formulation process. It provides effective non-ionic emulsification for skin care emulsions, makeup foundations, and hair rinses.
Depending on concentrations, Ceteareth-20 allows the production of a wide range of formulations from liquid to creamy consistency. It is used in serums, soft creams, masks, etc. It is also used as a binder in pressed powder systems.
Ceteareth-20 exhibits fine distribution properties and stability, with an excellent sensory profile and a pleasant skin feel. This multifunctional ingredient is compatible with almost all activities and can be used as a universal surfactant, dispersing and wetting agent, and solubilizer.