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Ceteareth-20

Ceteareth-20 suppliers and sourcing guide

Ceteareth-20 is a nonionic surfactant made by reacting cetearyl alcohol (a blend of cetyl and stearyl alcohols) with an average of 20 moles of ethylene oxide. It is a high-HLB emulsifier used to make oil-in-water creams and lotions, often paired with cetearyl alcohol or a low-HLB emulsifier, and as a solubilizer. Brands usually buy it as white waxy flakes or pastilles, alone or as part of a self-emulsifying wax blend.

See suppliersWhat to ask for on the COA
Also known as
PEG-20 cetyl/stearyl ether · Polyoxyethylene (20) cetyl/stearyl ether · Polyoxyl 20 cetostearyl ether · CAS 68439-49-6
Facts checked
November 2026

Forms and grades of Ceteareth-20

Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.

  • Flakes or pastilles

    Pure ceteareth-20 as waxy solids that melt into the oil phase.

  • Emulsifying wax blends

    Premixed with cetearyl alcohol (often sold as emulsifying wax NF type blends) for one-step cream bases.

  • Pharmacopeial grade

    Polyoxyl 20 cetostearyl ether made to the pharmacopeial monograph for drug and NHP products.

  • Vegetable-source grades

    Made from palm or coconut-derived fatty alcohols, often with RSPO certification.

What to check on the COA

Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.

Identity
Infrared spectrum and hydroxyl value, which confirm the ethoxylate and its average chain length.
Cloud point or HLB check
Cloud point in a salt or water solution, a practical check on degree of ethoxylation.
Acid and saponification values
Titration values that show free fatty acid and ester impurities.
1,4-Dioxane and ethylene oxide
Residual 1,4-dioxane and free ethylene oxide by headspace GC-MS, the main impurities of ethoxylated ingredients.
Water and pH
Water by Karl Fischer and pH of a dispersion.
Heavy metals
Lead and other metals by ICP-MS against the supplier specification.

Storage, lots and expiry

Storage and shelf life

Keep ceteareth-20 in closed containers in a cool, dry place away from strong oxidizers; ethoxylates can slowly oxidize when exposed to air and heat. Avoid repeated melting of the whole container. Shelf life and retest dates are set by the supplier's specification.

Lots and expiry dates

Record hydroxyl value, cloud point and 1,4-dioxane results for each lot, since small shifts in ethoxylation change emulsion viscosity and stability. Rotate stock first-in, first-out and check color and odor on older lots.

Regulatory status

Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.

This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.

Ceteareth-20 suppliers

Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.

We are checking Ceteareth-20 suppliers now

Every listing is checked against the supplier’s own website before it goes live, so this list fills in over the coming weeks. The specs and COA checklist above are ready today.

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Frequently asked questions

What forms of Ceteareth-20 can brands buy?

Common forms include flakes or pastilles, emulsifying wax blends, pharmacopeial grade and vegetable-source grades. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.

What should the COA for Ceteareth-20 include?

Expect identity, cloud point or HLB check, acid and saponification values, 1,4-Dioxane and ethylene oxide, water and pH and heavy metals, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.

How should Ceteareth-20 be stored?

Keep ceteareth-20 in closed containers in a cool, dry place away from strong oxidizers; ethoxylates can slowly oxidize when exposed to air and heat. Avoid repeated melting of the whole container. Shelf life and retest dates are set by the supplier's specification.

What is the regulatory status of Ceteareth-20?

Health Canada's Natural Health Products Ingredients Database lists ceteareth-20 (proper names PEG-20 cetyl/stearyl ether and polyoxyethylene (20) cetyl/stearyl ether) as an approved ingredient. The same database entry lists non-medicinal purposes including emulsifying agent, emulsion stabilizer and solubilizing agent, and restricts it to topical use only.

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