Ceteareth-20 (Technical / Cosmetic | Emulsifiers)

Ceteareth-20 has an HLB value of approximately 15.7, classifying it as a high-HLB hydrophilic emulsifier. This makes it ideal as the primary emulsifier in oil-in-water (O/W) systems. For stable emulsions, it is commonly blended with a low-HLB co-emulsifier (e.g., Ceteareth-5 or GMS) to achieve the required blended HLB for the oil phase.

Ceteareth-20 is typically used at 0.5–5% w/w in finished cosmetic formulations. In simple lotions, 1–2% is often sufficient when combined with a co-emulsifier. Higher concentrations up to 5% are used in richer cream formulations or where increased emulsion stability is required.

Yes. Ceteareth-20 has been extensively reviewed by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel and is considered safe as used in rinse-off and leave-on cosmetic formulations. It is non-irritating and non-sensitising at typical use concentrations and is approved for use in both rinse-off and leave-on products.

Yes. Ceteareth-20 is an accepted excipient in pharmaceutical topical preparations. It is compatible with most APIs and is used in medicated creams, ointments, and emollient bases. It appears in the FDA Inactive Ingredients Database for topical use. Always confirm grade suitability with the Pharcos technical team for regulated pharmaceutical applications.

The number refers to the average number of ethylene oxide (EO) units in the ethoxylation. Ceteareth-25 has 25 EO units vs 20 for Ceteareth-20, giving it a slightly higher HLB value (~16.2) and greater hydrophilicity. Ceteareth-25 produces somewhat lighter, more water-dispersible emulsions, while Ceteareth-20 gives richer, more stable emulsions — making Ceteareth-20 the more commonly preferred choice for creams and body lotions.

Ceteareth-20 is a non-ionic emulsifier and is broadly compatible with anionic (SLES, SLS), cationic (quaternary ammonium compounds), and amphoteric (betaine) surfactants, as well as with non-ionic surfactants. It does not carry a charge, making it one of the most formulation-flexible emulsifiers available.

Pharcos C 20 (Ceteareth-20) is a white to off-white waxy solid at room temperature, available in flake or pastille form. Its melting point is approximately 40–44°C. It is added to the oil phase during emulsion manufacturing and melted before combining with the water phase.

In emulsion polymerisation (latex paint manufacture), Ceteareth-20 serves as a non-ionic emulsifier and wetting agent. It stabilises the monomer droplets during polymerisation, improving particle size distribution and emulsion stability. It also acts as a wetting agent for pigment dispersion and as a dye levelling agent in textile processing.

Pharcos C 20 is supplied in 25 kg HDPE bags or 200 kg fibre drums. Bulk container-load quantities are available for industrial buyers. Sample quantities are available for formulation trials. Please contact the Pharcos Speciality sales team for current MOQ and pricing.

Pharcos Speciality provides a Certificate of Analysis (CoA), Safety Data Sheet (SDS), non-GMO declaration, allergen-free declaration, and BSE/TSE-free certificate. The manufacturing facility is ISO 9001:2015 certified and operates under cGMP conditions.