Ceteareth-25 is a non-ionic polyoxyethylene ether of higher saturated fatty alcohols (cetyl/stearyl alcohol). It is available as a white, waxy solid. It is used as an emulsifier in oil/water emulsions. It is compatible with all kinds of oils & active ingredients, is a very effective protective colloid that stabilizes all kinds of dispersed systems, and can be combined with other emulsifiers, optimal use with gel-forming thickeners. Compared to Ceteareth-20, Ceteareth-25 has a bit more gel-forming and thickening properties. Its chemical formula is C18H38O.
Products with CETEARETH-25
With samples available
Silsoft™ AX-E PMF emulsion
by Momentive Performance Materials
- Sustainable option
- Support available
- Original documents
D&C BLACK 2 SPECIAL NN
by DKSH
- Sustainable option
- Support available
- Original documents
What is CETEARETH-25 used for?
Ceteareth-25 is used as a solubilizing agent, emulsifier, cleansing agent, and surfactant in personal care.
- As surfactant: It effectively removes impurities and dirt from the surface of the skin and hair. The particles of this surfactant surround the contaminants, which detach from the cleaned surface and are then washed away. It is also an effective foaming agent. In addition, it is responsible for the stabilization of foam and improves its quality in a mixture with anionic surfactants
- As emulsifier: Due to its strong hydrophilic nature, Ceteareth-25 is perfect for creating oil-in-water emulsions. Due to its very good emulsifying properties, it can be used for the preparation of emulsions at room temperature
- As solubilizer: It enables the incorporation of hardly soluble or water-insoluble ingredients into an aqueous solution, such as fatty substances, plant extracts or fragrances. It has a strong softening, moisturizing and conditioning effect. It reduces the itching and peeling of skin. It maintains the level of moisture at the right level by creating an occlusive layer on the surface of the hair and skin, which prevents excessive evaporation of water
Origin
Ceteareth-25 is produced by ethoxylation of cetearyl alcohol (derived from coconut, palm kernel, or palm oil) with approximately 25 moles of ethylene oxide in the presence of a catalyst (e.g., KOH). The reaction yields a high-EO fatty alcohol ethoxylate with excellent water solubility and emulsifying power. The cetearyl base is vegetable-derived in most cosmetic grades, while the PEG chain is petrochemical. RSPO-certified and palm-free versions are available for sustainable formulations.
What does CETEARETH-25 do in a formulation?
CLEANSING|
EMULSIFYING|
FOAMING|
SURFACTANTSafety Profile
Ceteareth-25 is considered safe for cosmetic use per CIR Expert Panel assessments of ethoxylated fatty alcohols (safe as used when properly purified). It has a moderate hazard rating from EWG (typically 3) due to potential 1,4-dioxane and ethylene oxide residuals from ethoxylation (minimized in cosmetic grades). It is generally non-irritating at typical levels (1-5%) and well-tolerated in rinse-off and leave-on products. High concentrations may cause mild eye/skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
CETEARETH-25 alternatives
CETEARETH-25 technical profile
| Property | Values |
| Melting Point | 40-46°C |
| Solubility | Soluble in water and alcohol |