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Moumoujus

CETETH-24.

Valuable CAS 9004-95-9 / CLEANSING, SURFACTANT - CLEANSING, SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING

A high-performance nonionic polyoxyethylene ether that serves as a sophisticated oil-in-water emulsifier and solubilizing agent. It is prized in precision skincare for its dual ability to stabilize complex formulations while facilitating the delivery of active ingredients into the skin's deeper layers.

Summary

Surfactant Emulsifier Solubilizer Penetration Enhancer

Science

Mechanism of Action

Ceteth-24 functions by reducing interfacial tension between aqueous and lipid phases, creating stable, elegant emulsions with a high Hydrophilic-Lipophilic Balance (HLB) of 14-17. Beyond its structural role, it acts as a penetration enhancer by momentarily reorganizing the lipid matrix of the stratum corneum, allowing both water-soluble and oil-soluble molecules to bypass the skin barrier more efficiently.

Research

Clinical Evidence

High confidence
Effective range 0.1–5%
Optimal

3%

Key findings

  1. 01 Clinical patch testing on human subjects confirmed that concentrations up to 3% are non-irritating on intact skin.
  2. 02 Pharmacological studies demonstrate that levels between 0.1% and 5.0% significantly improve the transdermal delivery of both hydrophilic and lipophilic actives.
  3. 03 Comparative toxicology data indicates that Ceteth-24 has a lower irritancy profile than shorter-chain ethoxylated surfactants due to its high degree of ethoxylation.

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

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

Because Ceteth-24 functions primarily as a delivery vehicle and emulsifier, it is rarely 'dusted' for marketing claims; however, its presence at levels below 0.1% may be insufficient to provide meaningful penetration enhancement for the overall formula.

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Both
Optimal pH 4.5 – 7.5
0 7 14

Stability

Possesses a melting point of 40-49°C and maintains chemical stability across a wide pH range (3-11), though performance in O/W emulsions is peak between 4.5 and 7.5.

Synergies

  • Hydrophilic actives
  • Lipophilic actives
  • Fragrance compounds

Conflicts

  • Strong oxidizing agents
  • High electrolyte concentrations (potential salting out)
  • Anionic polymers (potential viscosity instability)

Safety

Safety Profile

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

Safety is contingent on formulation being non-irritating; industry standards ensure 1,4-dioxane levels are strictly controlled through vacuum stripping and purification.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

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

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

An essential formulation tool that bridges the gap between texture stability and enhanced biological availability of active ingredients.

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References

Sources