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Moumoujus

CETETH-1.

Valuable CAS 2136-71-2 / 904-95-9 / SURFACTANT - CLEANSING, SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING

A lipophilic non-ionic surfactant and emulsifier derived from cetyl alcohol and polyethylene glycol. It is primarily utilized to stabilize complex oil-and-water mixtures, ensuring smooth textures and uniform delivery of lipid-soluble ingredients.

Summary

emulsifying surfactant cleansing texture enhancer

Science

Mechanism of Action

Ceteth-1 functions by reducing the interfacial tension between the oil and water phases of a formula. With a low degree of ethoxylation (1 mole of ethylene oxide) and an HLB value of approximately 3.1, it acts as a powerful water-in-oil (W/O) emulsifier or a co-emulsifier for oil-in-water (O/W) systems, promoting a stable, homogeneous matrix.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Medium confidence
Effective range 1–5%
Optimal

3%

Key findings

  1. 01 The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) reported in 1999 that while 2.5% concentrations of the Ceteth family could irritate abraded skin, 3.0% concentrations were found to be non-irritating when applied to intact skin.

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

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

As a functional emulsifier rather than a bio-active 'hero' ingredient, Ceteth-1 is typically used at functional levels (1-5%) to ensure formula integrity. It is rarely used at 'dusting' levels for marketing claims.

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Oil
Optimal pH 3 – 12
0 7 14

Stability

Exhibits exceptional stability against hydrolysis in both acidic and alkaline environments due to its resilient ether linkage, making it more stable than many ester-based surfactants.

Synergies

  • Lipophilic active ingredients
  • Non-ionic surfactants

Conflicts

  • Strong oxidizing agents
  • Specific ratios of anionic surfactants which may destabilize micelle formation

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe as used
Max tested
5%
Pregnancy
Safe
Sensitization risk Low

While safe for general topical use, PEG-based ingredients like Ceteth-1 should be avoided on severely damaged or broken skin due to potential systemic toxicity risks observed in specific clinical burn cases.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

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

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

A highly stable and reliable lipophilic emulsifier that ensures structural integrity in high-performance skincare without compromising skin tolerability.

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