CAS Number:
68439-49-6
Chemical Name:
Ceteareth-30. Also known as Polyoxyethylene (30) Cetyl/Stearyl Ether, PEG-30 Cetyl/Stearyl Ether
EC Number:
500-212-8
Molecular Formula:
Complex mixture, derived from ethoxylated cetyl and stearyl alcohols with 30 moles of ethylene oxide (C18H38O·(C2H4O)n·H where n ≈ 30)
Molecular Weight:
~ 1500-1800 g/mol
Common Form:
White to off-white waxy flakes or pellets, odorless or with a faint characteristic odor
Uses:
Ceteareth-30 is an advanced non-ionic emulsifier belonging to the same family as Ceteareth-20 and Ceteareth-25 but characterized by the highest number of ethylene oxide units (30 units), giving it the highest HLB value and superior emulsifying power. It is widely used in cosmetics, personal care, pharmaceuticals, and industrial applications .
Primary Applications:
· Cosmetics & Personal Care: The largest application. Used in creams (moisturizers, sunscreens, foundations, after-sun, antiperspirants, hand and foot creams, eye creams, anti-wrinkle creams), lotions, face and body care, and hair care products (shampoos, conditioners, serums, hair masks, hair color creams, hair gels, depilatory products) .
· Color Cosmetics: Used in foundation creams, mascara, eye liner, and makeup removers .
· Sun Care Products: Used in sunscreen creams and lotions, and self-tanning products .
· Baby Care Products: Used in baby creams, lotions, and conditioners .
· Pharmaceuticals: Used as an excipient in topical formulations such as ointments, creams, liquid emulsions, and gels .
· Oral Care Products: Used in toothpaste formulations .
· Acne Treatment Products: Used in preparations for acne treatment .
· Industrial Applications: Used as an industrial detergent and emulsifier in textile processing (as a leveling and retarding agent for improved colorfastness and dyeing quality), in metal treatment (degreasing), in glass manufacturing (reducing glass breakage and improving quality), and in synthetic fiber production (as an antistatic agent) .
What does Ceteareth-30 do in a formulation?
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Strong O/W Emulsifier: Primary function. With a high HLB value (15-17.6) , it reduces interfacial tension between oil and water to form stable, homogeneous oil-in-water emulsions. Can be used alone or in combination with other emulsifiers to achieve the desired HLB.
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Emulsion & Dispersion Stabilizer: Acts as an effective protective colloid, stabilizing all kinds of dispersed systems and increasing their stability.
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Solubilizer: Helps dissolve poorly water-soluble substances (such as essential oils, fragrances, UV filters, and plant extracts) into aqueous solutions.
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Gel-forming & Thickening Agent: Forms spreadable gel hydrates with water, whose consistency can be adjusted from solid to liquid by adding small amounts of substances like PVP K 17 or PVP K 30 . Compared to Ceteareth-20 and Ceteareth-25, Ceteareth-30 has the highest gel-forming and thickening properties.
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Dispersant: Ensures uniform distribution of active ingredients in formulations.
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Cleansing Agent: Removes impurities, dirt, and oils from skin and hair by helping water mix with oil and dirt .
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Wetting Agent: Improves the wettability of products and helps them spread easily .
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Conditioner: Acts as a conditioner in hair care products .
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Foam Booster: Improves and stabilizes foam quality when used with surfactants .
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Antistatic Agent: Used in synthetic fiber production to reduce static charge accumulation .
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High Chemical Resistance: Exhibits high stability over a wide pH range, and is resistant to inorganic salts and harsh conditions, making it suitable for products containing strong acids and bases .
Safety Profile:
· Hazard Classification: Considered safe for use in cosmetics according to CIR Expert Panel evaluations and global regulatory bodies when used in non-irritating formulations .
· CIR Assessment: The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) concluded that Ceteareth-30 is safe for use in current practices. However, the panel recommended against using PEG derivatives on damaged skin due to reports of renal toxicity in burn patients exposed to PEG compounds . Concentration in leave-on products (e.g., creams) should be ≤ 0.3% with assurance that the finished product is non-irritating .
· Skin/Eye Contact: May cause mild skin or eye irritation at very high concentrations. At typical use levels, considered a low irritant . In oral care products such as toothpaste, it is considered safe .
· Inhalation: Powder dust may irritate the respiratory tract. Avoid dust inhalation during manufacturing .
· Ingestion: Non-toxic (LD?? > 2000 mg/kg orally in rats) .
· Contamination Concerns: Important Warning: Like all PEG derivatives, there is concern regarding potential contamination with toxic impurities such as ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane during manufacturing . High-quality products adhere to strict limits for these impurities:
· Residual Ethylene Oxide: ≤ 1 ppm .
· Residual 1,4-Dioxane: ≤ 5-10 ppm .
· Environmental Impact: Readily biodegradable (>60% in 28 days according to OECD 301D test) . Environmentally non-toxic.
· Required PPE: Safety glasses, chemical-resistant gloves, dust mask, and protective clothing when handling raw material in manufacturing or laboratory settings . No special requirements for end consumers.
· Storage and Handling Note: Store in a cool, dry place (below 38°C) away from moisture, direct sunlight, and oxidizing agents. Keep container tightly closed . Shelf life: 12-24 months .
Technical profile:
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Property
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Values
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Appearance
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White to off-white waxy flakes or pellets
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Odor
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Faint characteristic
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HLB Value
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15 - 17.6
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Melting/Solidification Point
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38-50°C (approximately 40-46°C)
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Cloud Point
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75-80°C (in 1% NaCl) ; 94-96°C
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pH (5% aqueous solution)
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5.0 - 8.0
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Hydroxyl Value
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33-45 mg KOH/g
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Relative Density
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~0.98-1.02 g/cm³
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Solubility
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Soluble in water and alcohol, forming a colloidal solution. Soluble in mineral and vegetable oils, and synthetic fats
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Viscosity
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High (semi-solid at room temperature)
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Active Matter
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~100%
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Typical Usage Levels
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· 1% - 5% (general use) .
· 2% (minimum effective level) .
· 21-30% (for forming gel hydrates)
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Leave-on products (e.g., creams)
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≤ 0.3% (with non-irritation assurance)
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Hair products (rinse-off)
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≤ 3%
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Use in Formulations:
Add to water phase or hot oil phase. Can be used in hot and cold processes. Ideal for use with gel-forming thickeners
Compatibility:
Compatible with all kinds of oils and active ingredients, UV filters, plant extracts, protein derivatives, and humectants . Can be combined with cetyl or stearyl alcohol for homogeneous cream bases that can absorb up to 90% water . Ideally used with Ceteareth-6 to form effective emulsifier pairs for products containing strong alkaline components or fruit acids .
Certifications & Compliance:
Available in grades with certifications:
· Ulta Beauty's Conscious Beauty .
· REACH (Europe) .
· RSPO Mass Balance (sustainable palm oil) .
· ISO 9001:2015 .