Ingredients Details Documents FAQ Ceteareth-25 High HLB Non-Ionic Emulsifier & Solubilizer INCI Name: Ceteareth-25 Appearance: White to off-white waxy flakes HLB Value: ~16.0 Solubility: Soluble in water and alcohols; dispersible in oils Recommended Use Level: 1% – 10% Function: Emulsifier, solubilizer, thickener, cleansing system stabilizer Ceteareth-25 is a non-ionic surfactant commonly used to emulsify and stabilize oil-in-water formulations. It is especially valued in clear gels, cleansing systems, and cream-gel hybrids for its ability to solubilize oils and active ingredients, and to increase product viscosity. Compatible with a wide pH range and various actives. Commonly Used In: Facial cleansers and cleansing gels Cream-gel moisturizers and emulsions Serum bases and water-based gels Scalp treatments and hair masks Micellar and hybrid surfactant systems What is Ceteareth-25? Ceteareth-25 is a high HLB (hydrophilic-lipophilic balance) emulsifier made by ethoxylating a mixture of cetyl and stearyl alcohols. It forms stable oil-in-water emulsions and clear gel systems, particularly useful in surfactant-rich or water-based products where solubilization of oils or active ingredients is required. Why Use Ceteareth-25? Excellent Solubilizer: Helps solubilize oils, fragrances, and actives into aqueous systems Effective Thickener: Builds viscosity in surfactant systems and cream-gels Stable Emulsification: Maintains stability across a wide pH and temperature range Non-Ionic: Compatible with anionic, cationic, and amphoteric ingredients Transparent Gels: Allows creation of clear, stable aqueous gel systems Performance Highlights Great for emulsifying high-active surfactant blends Thickens and stabilizes aqueous and hydrogel formulas Compatible with essential oils and non-polar lipids when used with co-emulsifiers Additional Application Examples: Gel cleansers and clarifying shampoo bases Hair conditioning treatments and scalp serums Oil-in-water emulsions with lightweight or actives-rich profiles Cosmeceutical or dermatological delivery systems Formulation Tip: Ceteareth-25 is often blended with co-emulsifiers or fatty alcohols to adjust viscosity and improve emollience. For gel-based systems, use with a small oil phase and neutral polymers for best clarity and stability. How to Use Add to the water phase or oil phase depending on system type. Heat to 70°C–75°C and stir until fully melted and incorporated. Use level: 1% – 10% Compatible with pH 4.5 – 8.0 Can be used with ionic and non-ionic ingredients Documents COA SDS Frequently Asked Questions Why is Ceteareth-25 used in formulations? It’s a nonionic surfactant and emulsifier, valued for solubilizing oils and fragrances into water systems and stabilizing high-oil emulsions. It’s the quiet backbone of cleansers, scrubs, and transparent toners. Why is it preferred in rinse-off products like cleansers and scrubs? Because it emulsifies oils and dirt so they rinse away cleanly, leaving skin smooth without greasy residue. It balances cleaning efficiency with a softer after-feel compared to harsher surfactants. Can Ceteareth-25 improve clarity in products? Yes. It’s often used in solubilizer blends to keep micellar waters, toners, and gels clear and stable even when essential oils or fragrances are added. How does it compare to shorter-chain Ceteareths (like 20)? Ceteareth-25 is more hydrophilic, making it stronger at solubilizing and dispersing oils into water. Lower-chain versions tend to produce creamier emulsions, while 25 is the go-to for lighter and clearer systems. Why is my micellar water or toner turning cloudy? Cloudiness means the solubilizer system is unbalanced. Ceteareth-25 improves clarity, but it usually works best in a blend with other solubilizers or mild surfactants. Adjusting the ratio of oil to solubilizer often clears the haze. My cleansing oil won’t rinse off cleanly, what’s missing? Without enough emulsification power, oils cling to the skin. Adding Ceteareth-25 ensures the oil phase disperses into a fine emulsion when water is added, so the cleanser rinses away completely. Why does my high-oil emulsion keep separating? Ceteareth-25 provides stronger stability in oil-rich formulas. If separation occurs, increasing its level slightly or pairing it with fatty alcohols or co-emulsifiers usually fixes the issue. How can I evenly disperse fragrance oils into water-based sprays? Ceteareth-25 is excellent for fragrance solubilization. It binds fragrance oils and disperses them evenly in water, keeping sprays, toners, and mists crystal clear and stable. #tab4 .faq-item { margin-bottom: 1em; font-family: inherit; color: inherit; } #tab4 .faq-item h3 { font-weight: 600; font-size: 1rem; margin-bottom: 0.4rem; } #tab4 .faq-item p { margin: 0; font-size: 0.96rem; line-height: 1.6; }
