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Moumoujus

CETOLETH-20.

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

Cetoleth-20 is a high-performance non-ionic surfactant and emulsifier derived from a blend of cetyl and oleyl alcohols. It is primarily utilized to stabilize oil-in-water emulsions and serves as a sophisticated delivery vehicle that enhances the skin's permeability to active molecules.

Summary

emulsifying surfactant cleansing penetration enhancer solubilizing

Science

Mechanism of Action

It functions by reducing interfacial tension between aqueous and lipid phases, creating stable, uniform textures. On a biological level, it temporarily modulates the lipid organization within the stratum corneum, increasing membrane fluidity to facilitate the deeper penetration of co-formulated active ingredients.

Research

Clinical Evidence

High confidence
Effective range 0.1–10%
Optimal

5%

Key findings

  1. 01 Clinical repeat insult patch tests (HRIPT) confirm that concentrations up to 10% do not elicit significant irritation or sensitization when properly formulated.
  2. 02 Pharmacological data indicates that concentrations between 0.1% and 5% effectively function as chemical penetration enhancers by increasing lipid bilayer fluidity.

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

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

As a functional emulsifier and penetration enhancer, Cetoleth-20 is rarely 'dusted' for marketing purposes. It is typically included at the precise levels required for formula stability and delivery efficacy; however, levels below 0.1% may be insufficient to provide meaningful penetration enhancement.

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Both
Optimal pH 2 – 12
0 7 14

Stability

Possesses exceptional stability across an expansive pH range, making it a versatile choice for both highly acidic AHA/BHA treatments and alkaline hair care formulations.

Synergies

  • Low-molecular weight actives
  • Essential oils
  • AHA/BHA acids

Conflicts

  • High electrolyte concentrations
  • Tannins
  • Phenols

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe as used
Max tested
25%
Pregnancy
Safe
Sensitization risk Low

Safe when formulated to minimize irritation; quality control is essential to ensure 1,4-dioxane and ethylene oxide impurities remain below 1 ppm.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

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

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

An exceptionally stable and versatile emulsifier that doubles as a precision delivery tool for boosting the absorption of key active ingredients.

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