Ceteareth-20 50 g

Ceteareth-20: The Versatile Emulsifier for Stable Cosmetic Formulations

Discover the power of stable and luxurious cosmetic creations with Ceteareth-20, a high-performance white-yellowish, waxy granule manufactured in India. This essential ingredient, also known as Cetearyl Alcohol (and) Ceteareth-20, is a highly effective emulsifier and solubilizer, making it a cornerstone for crafting smooth, consistent, and beautiful creams, lotions, and other emulsions. With its exceptional ability to blend oil and water, Ceteareth-20 is a must-have for formulators seeking professional-grade results.

Description and Key Features

Ceteareth-20 (INCI: Ceteareth-20) is a non-ionic emulsifying wax derived from a blend of cetearyl alcohol (a fatty alcohol) and ethylene oxide. Its unique structure allows it to effectively bind oil and water phases, creating stable emulsions that resist separation over time. This makes it an invaluable ingredient in a vast array of personal care products.

Key features and benefits:

• Powerful Emulsifier: Ceteareth-20 excels at creating stable oil-in-water emulsions, ensuring that your creams and lotions remain smooth, consistent, and visually appealing without separating.
• Versatile Solubilizer: Beyond emulsification, it also acts as a solubilizer, helping to disperse oil-soluble ingredients (like fragrances or essential oils) into water-based formulations, ensuring clarity and uniformity.
• Wide Application Range: Compatible with a broad spectrum of cosmetic ingredients, Ceteareth-20 is highly adaptable for various product types, from thin lotions to rich creams.
• Concentration Flexibility: With a recommended usage rate from 0.5% to 5% (and up to 20% for specialized applications), it offers flexibility for formulators to achieve desired textures and stabilities.
• Waxy Granule Form: Its granular form makes it easy to handle, measure, and incorporate into the oil phase of your formulations, melting smoothly upon heating.
• Origin: Sourced from India, ensuring a reliable supply of quality raw material.

Versatile Applications and Usage Areas in Cosmetics

Ceteareth-20 is an indispensable ingredient in cosmetic manufacturing due to its robust emulsifying properties. It is widely used in products where oil and water need to be blended harmoniously to create stable, appealing textures. It is not used in candles.

• Creams and Lotions:
  • Face Creams: Essential for creating nourishing day and night creams, ensuring a smooth application and stable texture.
  • Body Lotions and Butters: Helps to formulate rich, moisturizing body lotions and butters that absorb well and leave skin feeling soft and hydrated without greasiness.
  • Hand Creams: Contributes to the creamy texture and stability of hand creams, which often need to withstand frequent use.
• Conditioning Products:
  • Hair Conditioners: Used to create creamy hair conditioners and masks, helping to deliver active ingredients evenly and provide a smooth, detangling effect.
  • Leave-in Treatments: Ensures stability in leave-in hair treatments, providing consistent performance.
• Cleansing Products:
  • Cream Cleansers: Enables the formulation of gentle, moisturizing cream cleansers that effectively remove impurities while leaving the skin soft.
  • Body Washes and Shower Gels (as a co-emulsifier/solubilizer): Can be used in conjunction with other surfactants to improve the texture, stability, and sensory feel of these products, or to solubilize fragrance oils.
• Sunscreen Formulations:
  • Plays a crucial role in stabilizing oil-in-water sunscreen emulsions, ensuring even distribution of UV filters and a comfortable feel on the skin.
• Makeup Products:
  • Liquid Foundations and Concealers: Helps to emulsify pigments and oils in liquid makeup, creating smooth, blendable products with consistent coverage.
  • Mascara and Eyeliners: Can contribute to the stability and texture of creamy mascara and eyeliner formulations.
• Specialty Products:
  • Topical Ointments and Balms: Ensures active ingredients are evenly dispersed in semi-solid formulations.
  • Exfoliating Scrubs (Cream-based): Helps to maintain the uniform suspension of exfoliating particles within a creamy base.

The versatility of Ceteareth-20 makes it a go-to choice for formulators aiming to create high-quality, stable, and consumer-pleasing cosmetic products for various applications.

Cosmetic Recipe: "Silky Touch" Hydrating Face Cream

Create a rich, hydrating face cream with a luxurious feel, showcasing the emulsifying power of Ceteareth-20.

Instructions for Preparation:

1. Sanitization: Thoroughly sanitize all your equipment (heat-resistant beakers, stirring rods, containers) with isopropyl alcohol and allow them to air dry completely.
2. Prepare Phase A (Oil Phase): In a heat-resistant beaker, combine Ceteareth-20, Cetyl Alcohol, Jojoba Oil, and Shea Butter.
3. Prepare Phase B (Aqueous Phase): In a separate heat-resistant beaker, combine Distilled Water and Glycerin.
4. Heat Both Phases: Place both beakers in a water bath (or use two separate hot plates) and gently heat both phases to 70-75°C (158-167°F). Ensure all ingredients in Phase A are fully melted and clear.
5. Emulsification: Once both phases reach the target temperature, slowly pour the hot aqueous phase (Phase B) into the hot oil phase (Phase A), while continuously stirring with a hand mixer or immersion blender on low speed. Continue blending for 3-5 minutes until a uniform, creamy emulsion forms.
6. Cool Down: Remove the beaker from the heat source and continue stirring periodically as the cream cools. This helps the emulsion to thicken and stabilize. Stir until the temperature drops below 40°C (104°F).
7. Add Phase C (Cool Down Phase): Once the cream has cooled below 40°C, add Panthenol, Vitamin E, Preservative, and optional Fragrance Oil. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
8. Check pH (Recommended): Test the pH of your finished cream. An ideal pH for a face cream is typically 5.0-6.0. Adjust if necessary by adding a tiny drop of diluted lactic acid (to lower pH) or diluted baking soda solution (to raise pH).
9. Package: Carefully transfer the finished cream into clean, sterile jars or pump bottles.

Recommendations for Application and Use:

• Heating: Always ensure Ceteareth-20 is fully melted in the oil phase along with other fatty ingredients before combining with the heated aqueous phase. This ensures proper emulsification.
• Stirring: Consistent and adequate stirring during the emulsification and cooling process is crucial for forming a stable and smooth cream.
• Usage Rate: The 5% concentration of Ceteareth-20 in this recipe provides a stable, medium-viscosity cream. For thicker creams or lotions, you might increase the Ceteareth-20 percentage slightly (up to 7-10% is common for richer textures).
• pH Adjustment: While Ceteareth-20 itself does not significantly alter pH, it's always good practice to check the final product's pH for skin compatibility.
• Storage: Store the finished cream in a cool, dark place. The preservative ensures shelf stability, but avoiding extreme temperatures and direct sunlight will help maintain product quality over time.