Isoceteth-20

Isoceteth-20 is a polyethyleneglycol (PEG 20 moles) isohexadecyl alcohol ether, a high HLB (15.7) nonionic surfactant, and an outstanding solubilizer and emulsifier. It also exhibits excellent foaming characteristics in comparison with other ethoxylated nonionic surfactants.

Unlike ester-type nonionic surfactants, Isoceteth-20 is stable to alkali, indicating its usefulness in high pH products. It is frequently used to solubilize perfumes or other lipophilic ingredients into water. In addition, it is colorless and does not add color to microemulsions. This permits coloring to any desired degree, limited only by the color of the solubilized ingredient.

Isoceteth-20 is one of the strongest surfactants for making microemulsions of oils (particularly perfumes). Compared to polysorbates and high ethoxylates of fatty alcohols, Isoceteth-20 generally gives a clear system at half the level of these well-known surfactants.

Nonionic ethoxylates of alcohols are not known for their foaming ability, but Isoceteth-20 has excellent foaming ability. It is also a very effective emulsifier and has qualities of low color, low odor, and low irritation, and is alkali- and acid-stable.

It has a high HLB, which promotes o/w emulsions. It can be blended with efficient low HLB surfactants like Sorbitan Monostearate or PEG-2 stearyl ether to meet the emollient system's required HLB.

Functions
Detergent
Emulsifier
Surfactant
Solubilizer
FDA UNII
O020065R7Z
Synonyms
Arlasolve® 200

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