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Moumoujus

CETEARETH-4.

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

Ceteareth-4 is a lipophilic nonionic surfactant used primarily to stabilize emulsions and refine the sensory profile of skincare formulations. It plays a critical role in bridging the gap between oil and water phases, ensuring a smooth, consistent texture in high-performance creams and lotions.

Summary

Emulsifying Surfactant Texture Enhancer

Science

Mechanism of Action

By lowering the interfacial tension between disparate phases, Ceteareth-4 facilitates the creation of stable water-in-oil (W/O) systems or serves as a secondary co-emulsifier in oil-in-water (O/W) formulas. With an HLB value of approximately 8.0, it attracts lipid-based components effectively, allowing for a balanced distribution of active ingredients across the skin's surface.

Research

Clinical Evidence

High confidence
Effective range 1.5–10%
Optimal

5%

Key findings

  1. 01 Clinical evaluations performed by the CIR demonstrated that a 10% concentration resulted in minimal dermal irritation.
  2. 02 Repeated patch testing over 4- and 21-day cycles confirmed the ingredient is a non-sensitizer and produces negligible irritation.

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted
Min. effective
1%
Red flag below
0.5%

As a structural emulsifier rather than a primary bio-active, Ceteareth-4 is rarely 'dusted' for marketing claims; its presence usually indicates a functional role in formula stability.

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Oil
Optimal pH 3 – 9
0 7 14

Stability

Maintains excellent stability across a broad temperature and pH spectrum. It is highly versatile due to its nonionic nature, allowing for compatibility with various surfactant types.

Synergies

  • High-HLB surfactants
  • Fatty alcohols
  • Emollients

Conflicts

  • Strong oxidizing agents
  • Extreme mineral acids
  • Highly alkaline environments

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe as used
Max tested
10%
Pregnancy
Safe
Sensitization risk Low

Must be purified to minimize impurities like 1,4-dioxane. Should not be applied to compromised or broken skin barriers due to potential PEG-related absorption risks.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

Yes Normal
Yes Dry
No Oily
Yes Sensitive
Irritancy Low
Comedogenicity Low

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

A reliable, low-irritancy emulsifier essential for achieving sophisticated, stable textures in lipid-rich skincare.

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