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Moumoujus

CETEARETH-10.

Valuable CAS 68439-49-6 / SURFACTANT - CLEANSING, SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING

A high-performance non-ionic surfactant and emulsifier derived from cetearyl alcohol, essential for creating stable oil-in-water formulations. It functions as a molecular bridge, ensuring that lipid and aqueous components remain perfectly blended while offering a secondary benefit of mild emolliency.

Summary

Emulsifying Surfactant Cleansing Wetting Agent

Science

Mechanism of Action

Ceteareth-10 operates with an HLB value of approximately 13, making it a hydrophilic emulsifier that lowers the surface tension between oil and water phases. It organizes into mixed micelles that sequester lipid-based impurities for efficient removal in cleansers. In leave-on applications, it forms a lightweight occlusive film that assists in reducing transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and improves the spreadability of the product.

Research

Clinical Evidence

High confidence
Effective range 0.5–30%
Optimal

3%

Key findings

  1. 01 Clinical assessments confirm that concentrations up to 3.0% are non-irritating to healthy, intact skin, though irritation potential may increase at thresholds exceeding 5.0%.
  2. 02 Repeat-insult patch tests (RIPT) on analogous PEG ethers at 1.35% demonstrate no evidence of sensitization and only minimal irritation potential.
  3. 03 The CIR Expert Panel has validated the safety of ceteareth ingredients in concentrations up to 30% for rinse-off applications.

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted
Min. effective
0.5%
Red flag below
0.1%

As a functional emulsifier, Ceteareth-10 is rarely 'dusted' for marketing purposes. However, concentrations below 0.5% in a complex emulsion may indicate it is being used as a secondary stabilizer rather than the primary emulsifying agent.

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Water
Optimal pH 5 – 7.5
0 7 14

Stability

This ingredient is a thermally stable wax resistant to electrolytes and hard water. It performs optimally when paired with low-HLB co-emulsifiers like Cetearyl Alcohol to build a robust emulsion lattice.

Synergies

  • Cetearyl Alcohol
  • Glyceryl Stearate
  • Stearic Acid

Conflicts

  • Severely damaged skin barriers
  • Highly acidic environments (pH < 3.0)
  • Highly alkaline environments (pH > 11.0)

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe as used
Max tested
30%
Pregnancy
Safe
Sensitization risk Low

While safe for cosmetic application, formulations containing Ceteareth-10 should not be used on broken or severely damaged skin due to the historical risk of nephrotoxicity associated with PEG absorption in burn patients.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

Yes Normal
Yes Dry
Yes Oily
Yes Sensitive
Irritancy Low
Comedogenicity Moderate

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

A fundamental and safe emulsifying agent that provides structural integrity to skincare formulas while offering mild skin-conditioning benefits.

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