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Moumoujus

CETEARETH-8.

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

Ceteareth-8 is a high-performance nonionic surfactant and polyether compound that acts as a structural stabilizer in precision skincare. By reducing interfacial tension between oil and water, it ensures formulas remain uniform and elegant while providing a subtle emollient effect for a smoother skin finish.

Summary

Emulsifying Surfactant Cleansing Solubilizing Emollient

Science

Mechanism of Action

This ingredient functions as an amphiphilic emulsifier that facilitates the creation of stable oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions. It works by orienting itself at the oil-water interface to prevent droplet coalescence and serves as a secondary solubilizer to help integrate lipophilic active ingredients into aqueous delivery systems.

Research

Clinical Evidence

High confidence
Effective range 1–11%
Optimal

5%

Key findings

  1. 01 Clinical evaluation of structural analogs demonstrated minimal dermal irritation following single-exposure testing.
  2. 02 Human patch testing over 4 and 21 days confirmed the ingredient group is non-sensitizing and produces negligible irritation.

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

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

As a functional emulsifier, Ceteareth-8 is rarely used for marketing claims; it is typically included at levels required for emulsion stability (often 1-5%) rather than at 'dusting' levels.

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Both
Optimal pH 5 – 7
0 7 14

Stability

Highly stable under standard storage conditions. It is compatible with a broad spectrum of cosmetic lipids and can be combined with gel-forming thickeners to enhance viscosity.

Synergies

  • Lipophilic active ingredients
  • Gel-forming thickeners
  • Cosmetic oils

Conflicts

  • Strong acids
  • Strong bases
  • Strong oxidizing agents

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe as used
Max tested
11%
Pregnancy
Safe
Sensitization risk Low

While safe for general use, formulas containing PEG-based components like Ceteareth-8 should not be applied to severely damaged or broken skin. Manufacturers must ensure 1,4-Dioxane impurities remain below 1 ppm.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

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

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

An essential functional component for creating stable, non-irritating, and cosmetically elegant emulsions across all skin types.

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