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Moumoujus

CHOLETH-24.

Valuable CAS 27321-96-6 / SURFACTANT - CLEANSING, SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING

Choleth-24 is a nonionic surfactant and emulsifier derived from the polyoxyethylene ether of lanolin's cholesterol fraction. Its primary function in cosmetic formulations is to reduce surface tension, stabilizing oil-in-water emulsions and enhancing product consistency.

Summary

Emulsifying Surfactant/Cleansing Dispersant Stabilizer Solubilizer

Science

Mechanism of Action

As a nonionic surfactant, Choleth-24 operates by significantly lowering the interfacial tension between immiscible components, such as oils and water. This action facilitates the uniform dispersion of these phases, allowing them to form stable, homogeneous emulsions within skincare and haircare products.

Research

Clinical Evidence

High confidence
Effective range 0.5–5%
Optimal

0.5% to 5.0%

Key findings

  1. 01 Clinical assessments demonstrated Choleth-24 to be only slightly irritating and nonsensitizing when applied to human skin at concentrations up to 50%.
  2. 02 Testing at 0.5% indicated no phototoxic or photoallergenic reactions in a study involving 201 subjects.

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

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

To effectively perform its role as an oil-in-water emulsifier and solubilizer, Choleth-24 requires a minimum concentration of 0.5%. Formulations incorporating the ingredient below this threshold may not achieve functional efficacy, potentially indicating its inclusion is for label claims rather than performance.

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Water
Optimal pH 4 – 6
0 7 14

Stability

Choleth-24 is a waxy solid that functions as a 100% active complex. It effectively mitigates excessive viscosity build-up in fluid emulsions and imparts a distinct waxy after-feel. Manufacturers may optionally add Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT) as an antioxidant/preservative at 0.05% for enhanced stability.

Safety

Safety Profile

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

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel reaffirmed Choleth-24 as safe for topical human applications at current usage concentrations in 2023. It is not restricted by the European Union CosIng database and functions as an inactive ingredient in FDA-approved drug formulations up to 5%. However, there are known concerns regarding potential trace contamination with 1,4-dioxane, a byproduct of its ethoxylation process.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

No Normal
No Dry
No Oily
No Sensitive
Irritancy Low
Comedogenicity Low

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

Choleth-24 is a valuable formulation ingredient, serving as a safe and effective oil-in-water emulsifier and stabilizer crucial for creating stable cosmetic products, with a low associated risk of irritation or comedogenicity.

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