SKU:SOL-TRC-C50-300g
Ceteareth-50
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Ceteareth-50 is a non-ionic surfactant and emulsifier commonly used in cosmetics and personal care products. It is an ethoxylated cetyl/stearyl alcohol, meaning it's a derivative of fatty alcohols linked to ethylene oxide. Specifically, the "50" refers to the average number of ethylene oxide molecules attached.
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General Description:
Ceteareth-50 is a non-ionic surfactant and emulsifying agent derived from the ethoxylation of a mixture of cetyl and stearyl alcohols, which are fatty alcohols typically sourced from plant or synthetic origins. It appears as a white to off-white solid or flake and is soluble in water and oils, making it effective in creating stable oil-in-water emulsions. Known for its excellent emulsifying properties and high HLB (hydrophilic-lipophilic balance) value, Ceteareth-50 is used extensively in personal care products to improve texture, consistency, and shelf-life of formulations. It is available for bulk and wholesale supply, widely used in both conventional and specialized skincare products.
Uses in the Cosmetics Industry:
Ceteareth-50 is commonly used in:
- Creams, lotions, and moisturizers to emulsify oil and water components and ensure product stability.
- Hair conditioners and treatments to enhance spreadability and improve product texture.
- Sunscreens and anti-aging formulations where a stable emulsion and light feel are desired.
- Pharmaceutical-grade topical products as a base emulsifier.
- Wash-off products such as facial cleansers and body washes for mild cleansing and emulsion formation.
- Its strong emulsifying power makes it especially useful in formulations requiring a high oil content or heat stability.
Side Effects & Hazards:
Ceteareth-50 is generally considered safe for cosmetic use when used according to recommended concentrations. However, as with other ethoxylated compounds, there may be concerns about potential contamination with 1,4-dioxane, a by-product of the ethoxylation process and a suspected carcinogen. Therefore, it is essential to use only materials that are properly purified and compliant with cosmetic safety standards. In rare cases, Ceteareth-50 may cause mild irritation or allergic reactions, particularly in individuals with compromised or damaged skin. During manufacturing, appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, goggles, and dust masks should be used to avoid skin contact and inhalation. Store the ingredient in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated place, away from direct heat or moisture.
CAS Number: 68439-49-6.
INCI Name: Ceteareth-50.
Composition: A polyoxyethylene ether of cetyl and stearyl alcohols (C16–C18 fatty alcohols), with an average of 50 ethylene oxide (EO) units.
Purity Grade: Cosmetic Grade
Appearance: White to off-white waxy solid, flakes, or pellets.
Solubility: Dispersible in water; soluble in alcohols and oils; forms emulsions in water.
Preservation: Not self-preserving; requires addition of preservatives in water-based formulations.
Storage: Store in a cool, dry place; keep container tightly closed; protect from moisture and heat.
Raw Material Sources: Derived from natural fatty alcohols (coconut or palm oil) and ethylene oxide (petrochemical).
Manufacture: Produced via ethoxylation of cetearyl alcohols with ethylene oxide under controlled conditions.
Animal Testing: Varies by supplier; cruelty-free versions are available—verify with manufacturer.
GMO: May be non-GMO if plant-derived raw materials (e.g., oils) are certified; depends on source.
Vegan: Typically vegan, as it is derived from plant-based oils and synthetic EO.
Warning: May cause mild skin or eye irritation in sensitive individuals; avoid inhalation of dust during handling; monitor for residual 1,4-dioxane in formulations due to safety regulations.
THE STORY OF CETEARETH 50
Ceteareth-50: High-Strength O/W Emulsifier for Creams, Gels & Hair Systems
Ceteareth-50 is a high-HLB, non-ionic emulsifier designed for oil-in-water (O/W) formulations that require strong emulsification and high stability — especially high-viscosity creams, hair relaxers, depilatories, and heat-sensitive active systems. It provides excellent dispersibility, water solubility, and compatibility across oils, silicones, and alcohols.
Ethoxylated Fatty Alcohol Blend for High-Performance Emulsion Building
Ceteareth-50 is manufactured by ethoxylating a cetyl/stearyl alcohol blend with an average of 50 moles of ethylene oxide. Higher ethoxylation = higher water solubility, making it a strong emulsifier and solubilizer suitable for challenging formulations such as high pH, highly active, or high oil-load systems.
Emulsify. Solubilize. Stabilize High-Viscosity Systems.
Key advantages in formulation:
✅ Creates very stable O/W emulsions, even with high oil or high pH
✅ Works in hair relaxers, perm lotions & depilatory creams
✅ Excellent solubilizing capacity for oils, esters, silicones & fragrance
✅ Supports thick textures without soaping effect
✅ Compatible with carbomers, fatty alcohols, amines & surfactants
Used in: hair straightening creams, SPF emulsions, body butters, shave creams, AHA/BHA formulas, leave-on and rinse-off systems.
Hot-Process, Globally Permitted — but Not for Natural-Certified Products
• Typical use level: 1–6% depending on oil load & viscosity requirements
• Added to oil phase, melt at 65–75 °C, then emulsify with water phase
• Not suitable for cold-process or natural/organic certifications (ethoxylated material)
• Approved in US, EU, ASEAN, India, Japan for rinse-off & leave-on cosmetics
• Works best paired with Cetyl or Cetearyl Alcohol for structure and glide
• Store sealed, dry, away from heat and humidity
Formulator’s Queries, We Answered
1. What is Ceteareth-50?
Ceteareth-50 is a non-ionic emulsifier and surfactant, used in cosmetic and personal care products to stabilize emulsions and improve the texture of formulations. It helps blend water and oil phases and gives a smooth, spreadable consistency to creams, lotions, and conditioners.
2. What is the INCI name and CAS number of Ceteareth-50?
CAS Number: 68439-49-6
INCI Name: Ceteareth-50
3. What are the key benefits of Ceteareth-50 in personal care formulations?
Acts as a primary or co-emulsifier in oil-in-water emulsions
Enhances product stability, texture, and consistency
Improves spreadability and absorption of creams and lotions
Compatible with a wide range of oils, active ingredients, and pH levels
Facilitates the delivery of both water- and oil-soluble actives
4. In what types of products is Ceteareth-50 commonly used?
Ceteareth-50 is used in:
Facial moisturizers and anti-aging creams
Body lotions and hand creams
Hair conditioners and leave-in treatments
Sunscreens and after-sun lotions
Shaving creams and depilatory products
5. Is Ceteareth-50 safe for skin application?
Yes, Ceteareth-50 is considered safe for use in rinse-off and leave-on personal care products when used at recommended concentrations. However, it is not recommended for use on damaged or broken skin due to potential absorption of impurities.
6. Is Ceteareth-50 a natural or synthetic ingredient?
Ceteareth-50 is a synthetic compound, derived from cetyl and stearyl alcohols (from natural fats and oils) reacted with ethylene oxide. While not fully natural, it is widely accepted in conventional and high-performance formulations.
7. What is the recommended usage level of Ceteareth-50 in formulations?
Typical usage levels range from 1% to 5%, depending on the formulation type and emulsification needs.
8. Is Ceteareth-50 environmentally friendly?
Ceteareth-50 is partially biodegradable, but since it is ethoxylated, it may not meet the strict standards of eco-certified or natural formulations. Its environmental impact depends on sourcing and manufacturing processes.