

High Purity Ceteareth-20 Flakes | Cosmetic Grade Emulsifier Bulk Supplier
Item No :
DetailsOrder(MOQ) :
100kgsProduct Origin :
ChinaColor :
White to off-whiteShipping Port :
Shanghai, ChinaLead Time :
2-3 weeksWeight :
25kgCas No. :
68439-49-6Molecular Formula :
(C₂H₄O)ₙC₁₆H₃₄O (n≈20)Appearance :
Waxy solid or flakesAssay :
≥99% high purityApplication :
Non-ionic O/W emulsifier for creams, lotions, sunscreens, shampoos, hair conditioners and pharmaceutical creams; can be used with Ceteareth-12 & cetearyl alcohol
Ceteareth-20 (CAS 68439-49-6) is a non-ionic emulsifier produced by the condensation of cetearyl alcohol with 20 moles of ethylene oxide. It appears as a white to off-white waxy solid or flake.
Featuring outstanding emulsifying, dispersing, solubilizing and stabilizing performance, it has an HLB value of around 15.2–16.0, making it an ideal emulsifier for preparing O/W (oil-in-water) emulsions.
Ceteareth-20 is widely applied in creams, lotions, sun care products, shampoos, hair conditioners and pharmaceutical creams. It can be used independently or in combination with Ceteareth-12, cetearyl alcohol and other co-emulsifiers.
As a professional source manufacturer, we provide high-purity Ceteareth-20 and support stable bulk supply.
Core Advantages
1. Excellent Emulsifying Performance
High-efficiency O/W emulsifier: With an HLB value of 15.2–16.0, it is suitable for emulsifying most oils and fats.
Synergistic blending: More stable emulsions can be achieved when combined with Ceteareth-12 and cetearyl alcohol.
Temperature stability: Maintains stable emulsification across a wide temperature range.
2. Good Compatibility
Compatible with cationic, anionic and non-ionic surfactants.
Suitable for various oil-based systems.
Compatible with sunscreens, preservatives, fragrances and other cosmetic ingredients.
3. Excellent Skin Feel
Provides a lightweight, non-greasy skin feel.
Promotes fast absorption of the product.
Ensures good spreadability and a pleasant user experience.
Technical Specifications
| Item | Typical Specifications | Test Standard/Remarks |
| Product Name | Ceteareth-20 / Cetearyl Alcohol Polyether-20 | INCI Name: Ceteareth-20 |
| CAS No. | 68439-49-6 | Key Identifier |
| Appearance | White to off-white waxy solid or flakes | Slight characteristic odor |
| HLB Value | 15.2 – 16.0 | Strong hydrophilicity, ideal for O/W emulsification |
| Cloud Point | Approx. 80–90°C | —— |
| Acid Value | ≤ 1.0 mg KOH/g | —— |
| Hydroxyl Value | 75 – 95 mg KOH/g | —— |
| Saponification Value | ≤ 2.0 mg KOH/g | —— |
| Moisture Content | ≤ 3.0% | —— |
| Residue on Ignition |
≤ 0.5% |
—— |
| Heavy Metals (as Pb) |
≤ 10 mg/kg |
—— |
Key Application
1. Creams & Lotions: Key O/W Emulsifier
Ceteareth-20 is a classic emulsifier for producing oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions. When compounded with Ceteareth-12 or cetearyl alcohol, it delivers a more stable emulsifying system.
Face & Moisturizing Creams: Ensures fine emulsification and excellent spreadability.
Lotions: Provides a lightweight skin feel and fast-absorbing properties.
Sunscreens: Helps evenly disperse sunscreen agents to improve SPF performance and skin feel.
Recommended dosage: 1% – 5% (better effect when used in combination with Ceteareth-12)
2. Personal Care Products
Shampoos: Acts as a solubilizer and emulsifier to disperse fragrances and oil ingredients.
Hair Conditioners: Compatible with cationic conditioning agents to deliver smoothness.
Body Washes: Improves product texture and foaming performance.
3. Pharmaceutical Creams
Topical Drug Carriers: Serves as an emulsifying base for skin creams and ointments.
Transdermal Preparations: Helps evenly distribute active pharmaceutical ingredients and promote absorption.
4. Industrial Applications
Textile Auxiliaries: Used as a fiber softener and emulsifier.
Pesticide Formulations: Applied as an emulsifier for pesticide emulsifiable concentrates.
FAQ: Ceteareth-20
1. What is Ceteareth-20 (CAS 68439-49-6)?
Ceteareth-20 is a non-ionic emulsifier formed by the condensation of cetearyl alcohol and 20 moles of ethylene oxide. It appears as a white to off-white waxy solid or flake, mainly used as a high-efficiency O/W emulsifier in cosmetics, personal care and pharmaceutical products.
2. What is the HLB value of Ceteareth-20?
The HLB value of Ceteareth-20 is about 15.2–16.0, making it an ideal emulsifier for preparing oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions.
3. What are the main advantages of Ceteareth-20?
Excellent emulsifying performance for most oils and fats
Good compatibility with various surfactants and cosmetic ingredients
Lightweight, non-greasy skin feel and good spreadability
Stable emulsifying effect in a wide temperature range
Synergistic effect when compounded with Ceteareth-12 and cetearyl alcohol
4. What is the recommended dosage of Ceteareth-20?
The recommended addition level is 1%–5% in formulations. Better stability and performance can be obtained when used in combination with Ceteareth-12.
5. In which products is Ceteareth-20 widely used?
Skin care: creams, lotions, sunscreens
Personal care: shampoos, hair conditioners, body washes
Pharmaceuticals: topical creams, ointments and transdermal preparations
Industry: textile auxiliaries, pesticide emulsifiable concentrates
6. Can Ceteareth-20 be used alone or does it need to be compounded?
Ceteareth-20 can be used alone, but it is more commonly compounded with Ceteareth-12 and cetearyl alcohol to form a more stable emulsifying system and improve overall formulation performance.
7. Is Ceteareth-20 compatible with other ingredients?
Yes. It has good compatibility with cationic, anionic and non-ionic surfactants, as well as oils, sunscreens, preservatives, fragrances and most cosmetic and pharmaceutical actives.
8. Do you supply bulk Ceteareth-20?
As a professional source manufacturer, we provide high-purity Ceteareth-20 with complete COA and MSDS, and support stable bulk supply for global customers.
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