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Moumoujus

CETOLETH-15.

Valuable CAS 68155-01-1 / SURFACTANT - CLEANSING, SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING

Cetoleth-15 is a high-performance non-ionic surfactant and emulsifier derived from cetyl alcohol and polyethylene glycol. It is engineered to stabilize complex oil-in-water formulations while providing gentle cleansing properties without disrupting the skin's lipid barrier.

Summary

surfactant emulsifying agent solubilizer cleansing agent

Science

Mechanism of Action

By lowering the interfacial tension between aqueous and lipid phases, Cetoleth-15 facilitates the creation of stable, uniform emulsions. As a non-ionic agent, it aggregates into micelles that encapsulate lipophilic impurities and debris, allowing them to be rinsed away effectively while remaining resistant to destabilization by hard water or varying electrolyte levels.

Research

Clinical Evidence

High confidence
Effective range 1–10%
Optimal

9%

Key findings

  1. 01 Human repeat insult patch testing (HRIPT) confirmed that aqueous solutions are non-sensitizing and non-irritating to human skin.

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

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

As a functional emulsifier rather than an active, 'dusting' is less applicable; however, concentrations below 0.5% in complex emulsions may indicate a secondary role rather than primary stabilization.

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Water
Optimal pH 3 – 11
0 7 14

Stability

Demonstrates exceptional stability across a broad pH spectrum and maintains integrity in high-electrolyte environments where ionic surfactants typically fail.

Synergies

  • Lipophilic active ingredients
  • Mineral UV filters
  • Electrolyte-rich botanical extracts

Conflicts

  • Strong oxidizing agents
  • Extremely high saline concentrations (potential salting out effect)

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe as used
Max tested
9%
Pregnancy
Safe
Sensitization risk Low

Quality control is essential to ensure 1,4-dioxane byproducts are purified to levels below 1 ppm, as per FDA guidelines.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

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

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

An essential formulation workhorse that provides superior emulsion stability and gentle cleansing across all skin types with a high safety profile.

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References

Sources