Ceteareth-25 100 g

Nonionic O/W Emulsifier for Creams, Lotions & Cosmetic Formulations

Ceteareth-25 is a nonionic emulsifying ingredient widely used in cosmetic and personal-care formulations to help combine oil and water phases into stable oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions.

It is particularly suitable for products such as:

• Creams
• Lotions
• Facial moisturizers
• Body-care emulsions
• Hair conditioners
• Hair masks
• Foundations
• Cream-based cosmetic products
• Selected cleansing formulations

Ceteareth-25 can also be combined with other emulsifiers, fatty alcohols and rheology modifiers to develop different textures and viscosity profiles.

What Is Ceteareth-25?

Ceteareth-25 is a nonionic polyoxyethylene ether derived from higher fatty alcohols, primarily cetyl and stearyl alcohol-type materials.

The number 25 refers to the approximate degree of ethoxylation in the ingredient.

Its relatively high HLB value makes it particularly useful for oil-in-water emulsions, where an oil phase is dispersed within a continuous water phase.

Key Functions

Ceteareth-25 can function as:

• O/W emulsifier
• Co-emulsifier
• Dispersion stabilizer
• Protective colloid
• Texture-supporting ingredient
• Formulation aid

Its exact function depends on the complete formulation and the concentration used.

Oil-in-Water Emulsions

Ceteareth-25 is particularly useful in O/W formulations.

An oil-in-water emulsion typically consists of:

• A water phase
• An oil phase
• An emulsifying system
• Additional stabilizers or thickeners where required

The emulsifier helps keep small oil droplets distributed throughout the water phase.

This type of system is commonly used for:

• Facial creams
• Body lotions
• Lightweight moisturizers
• Hair conditioners
• Cosmetic emulsions

Helps Improve Physical Stability

Ceteareth-25 can help reduce separation between oil and water phases when used within a properly designed emulsification system.

However, an emulsifier alone does not guarantee long-term product stability.

Finished products should still undergo:

• Centrifuge testing where applicable
• Freeze-thaw testing
• Elevated-temperature stability testing
• Real-time stability testing
• Packaging compatibility testing

Does Ceteareth-25 Extend Shelf Life?

Ceteareth-25 may improve the physical stability of an emulsion, but it is not a preservative.

It does not replace an appropriate antimicrobial preservation system.

Water-containing cosmetic products may still require:

• Suitable preservative system
• pH control
• Good Manufacturing Practice
• Microbiological testing
• Preservative efficacy / challenge testing

depending on the final product.

Applications

Creams

Ceteareth-25 can be used in facial, body and hand cream formulations.

It can help create:

• Uniform emulsions
• Smooth application
• Creamy texture
• Stable oil dispersion

Lotions

It is particularly useful in O/W lotions ranging from relatively fluid products to richer emulsions.

Hair Conditioners & Masks

Ceteareth-25 may be incorporated into conditioner and hair-mask formulations as part of the emulsifying system.

Its compatibility must be evaluated with:

• Cationic conditioning ingredients
• Fatty alcohols
• Oils
• Silicones
• Active ingredients

used in the complete formula.

Foundations & Pigmented Cosmetics

Ceteareth-25 can also be used in suitable emulsion-based makeup products.

Final pigment dispersion and stability depend on the entire formulation system.

Is Ceteareth-25 Used in Soap Making?

Ceteareth-25 is not required for the saponification reaction.

Traditional cold process or hot process soap is created by reacting fats and oils with an alkali such as sodium hydroxide.

Ceteareth-25 does not replace:

• Sodium hydroxide
• Potassium hydroxide
• Correct SAP calculations
• Soap-making oils

It may be evaluated in certain specialty cleansing, cream-soap or emulsified formulations, but it should not automatically be added to every traditional handmade soap recipe.

For conventional cold process soap, use only when the formulation has specifically been designed and tested to contain it.

Typical Usage Level

A common formulation starting range for cosmetic emulsions is approximately:

0.5–3%

depending on:

• Oil-phase percentage
• Desired texture
• Other emulsifiers
• Thickening system
• Finished product type

Different supplier grades or specialized applications may allow different concentrations.

Always follow the TDS for the actual raw material supplied.

Processing

Ceteareth-25 is normally incorporated using a heated emulsification process.

Because processing requirements depend on the full formula, a general approach is:

1. Prepare the oil and water phases separately.
2. Add Ceteareth-25 to the appropriate phase according to the formulation.
3. Heat as necessary until the emulsifier and other solid oil-phase ingredients are properly incorporated.
4. Bring the phases to compatible processing temperatures.
5. Combine while mixing.
6. Homogenize if required.
7. Cool under controlled stirring.
8. Add heat-sensitive ingredients during the appropriate cooling stage.

Do not rely on one fixed processing temperature for every formula.

Melting & Dispersion

Ceteareth-25 is typically supplied as:

• Granules
• Pellets
• Small solid particles

It softens and melts during heated processing.

Depending on grade, it can form colloidal solutions or dispersions in aqueous systems and can be incorporated with vegetable, mineral and synthetic oil phases.

Always follow the supplied TDS for the recommended processing procedure.

HLB Value

Ceteareth-25 is considered a relatively high-HLB emulsifier and is primarily associated with oil-in-water emulsion systems.

A typical HLB range is approximately:

15–17

depending on the commercial grade and technical reference.

HLB should be used as a formulation tool rather than as the only basis for selecting an emulsifier.

Can It Be Used Alone?

Ceteareth-25 may function as a primary emulsifier in some formulations, but many professional products use it together with:

• Fatty alcohols
• Co-emulsifiers
• Glyceryl esters
• Rheology modifiers
• Polymer thickeners
• Stabilizing agents

The ideal emulsifier system depends on the oil phase and desired product characteristics.

Texture & Viscosity

Ceteareth-25 may contribute to:

• Smoother emulsion structure
• Improved dispersion
• Creamier texture
• Increased consistency

However, viscosity should not be controlled solely through Ceteareth-25.

A formulation may also require:

• Cetearyl alcohol
• Cetyl alcohol
• Carbomer
• Xanthan gum
• Acrylate polymers
• Other rheology modifiers

depending on the product.

Product Details

Product Name: Ceteareth-25
INCI Name: Ceteareth-25
CAS Number: 68439-49-6
Weight: 100 g
Type: Nonionic Emulsifier
Primary Function: Oil-in-Water Emulsification
Typical Appearance: White to Ivory Granules / Pellets
Typical HLB: Approximately 15–17
Typical Use Level: Approximately 0.5–3%
Application: Cosmetic and Personal-Care Formulation

Exact physical and chemical specifications should be taken from the COA and TDS supplied with the actual batch.

pH Information

Ceteareth-25 should not be described simply as having a universal “pH compatibility of 5–7.”

The measured pH depends on:

• Concentration
• Test method
• Temperature
• Commercial grade

Always refer to the actual technical specification rather than using a fixed pH statement for all Ceteareth-25 materials.

Preservation

Ceteareth-25 itself is not a cosmetic preservative.

A cream, lotion, conditioner or other water-containing formula normally requires a preservation strategy appropriate to:

• Product pH
• Water activity
• Packaging
• Target market
• Finished product composition

Important Formulation Note

Ceteareth-25 is an ethoxylated cosmetic ingredient.

For professional cosmetic production, raw material quality and impurity control should be confirmed through reputable supplier documentation and the finished product must comply with the requirements of the target market.

Product Development

When creating a new formulation with Ceteareth-25, evaluate:

• Required HLB of the oil phase
• Emulsifier concentration
• Oil-to-water ratio
• Thickening system
• Electrolyte content
• Active ingredients
• Preservative system
• pH
• Temperature stability
• Packaging compatibility

Laboratory trials should be completed before scaling up production.

Safety Information

Ceteareth-25 is supplied as a formulation raw material and should not be treated as a finished cosmetic product.

During handling:

• Avoid direct eye contact.
• Avoid unnecessary skin contact with concentrated raw material.
• Avoid inhalation of dust if generated.
• Use suitable gloves and eye protection during professional handling.
• Do not ingest.
• Keep away from children.
• Follow the supplied Safety Data Sheet.

Storage

Store Ceteareth-25:

• In tightly closed packaging
• In a dry environment
• At suitable room temperature
• Protected from moisture
• Away from excessive heat
• Away from direct sunlight

Always follow supplier-specific storage instructions.

Wholesale, Private Label & Contract Manufacturing

We also supply Ceteareth-25, emulsifiers, surfactants, cosmetic oils and other formulation raw materials in wholesale quantities for cosmetic manufacturers, soap makers, laboratories, retailers and professional formulators.

In addition to raw material supply, we provide private label and contract manufacturing services for creams, lotions, liquid cleansers, hair-care products, soaps and other customized cosmetic and personal-care formulations.

Custom products can be developed with different emulsifier systems, active ingredients, fragrances, viscosity profiles, packaging formats and private label designs.

For bulk Ceteareth-25 orders, private label products or contract manufacturing, please contact us with your required quantity, product concept, target formulation, packaging requirements, target market and estimated production volume.