Steareth 20 is a synthetic polymer composed of PEG (polyethylene glycol) and stearyl alcohol.
Due to the presence of PEG, Steareth 20 may contain potentially toxic manufacturing impurities such as 1,4-dioxane.
Steareth 20 is used as cleansing agent, a surfactant and an emulsifier, like many other PEG and other oil derived substances.
INCI Name: Steareth 20
Chemical Name: C16-18 alcohols, ethoxylated (20 mol EO average molar ratio)
CAS Number: 68439-49-6
WHAT IS Steareth 20?
Steareth 20 is a synthetic polymer derived from ethoxylation.
Steareth 20 is obtained from stearic acid and the number 20 denotes the average number of repeating ethylene glycol units.
Steareth 20 is often used as a surfactant and an emulsifier.
Steareth 20 is a non-ionic polyoxyethylene ether of higher saturated fatty alcohols (cetyl/stearyl alcohol).
HLB value of Steareth 20 is 15-17 (gives oil-in-water emulsions).
Steareth 20 is a universal emulsifier to make o/w emulsions, compatible with all kinds of oils & active ingredients.
Steareth 20 is very effective protective colloid that stabilizes all kinds of dispersed systems.
Steareth 20 can be combined with other emulsifiers.
Optimal use with gel-forming thickeners.
Steareth 20 is added to products to stabilize the formulations.
Steareth 20 is considered safe to be used in personal care products.
Steareth 20 is one of the most researched and reviewed ingredients.
Top regulatory bodies like FDA (Food and Drug Administration ensures the safety, efficacy and security of humans by making sure that cosmetics are safe to use), CIR (Cosmetic Ingredient Review thoroughly investigates the safety of ingredients used in cosmetics), EU Cosmetics Regulation (It ensures the safety of the consumers while using the cosmetic products) and EWG (Environmental Working Group Skin Deep is a cosmetic database for ensuring the safety of ingredients being used in personal care products) along with popular skin care brand Paula's Choice have rated it safe for use in cosmetics, personal care products.
BENEFITS OF Steareth 20:
Steareth 20 has the following benefits:
Steareth 20 acts as a surfactant:
Steareth 20 is an effective surfactant as it reduces the surface tension between 2 liquids or a liquid and a solid.
Steareth 20 rids the skin of the oil, dirt and grime accumulated on the skin.
Benefits Steareth 20:
High solubility
Good stability in formulations
Great non-ionic surfactant
Mixes well with other surfactants
Widely used, proven track record
Steareth 20 acts as an emulsifier:
Steareth 20 keeps the oil-based components and water-based components together and prevents them from disintegrating into their individual constituents.
Steareth 20 makes the formulation stable.
Steareth 20 is the INCI name of a cosmetic ingredient, a non-ionic surfactant.
Steareth 20's chemical structure is derived from the family of ethoxylated fatty alcohols.
Chemically, Steareth 20 is a mixture of cetyl and stearic alcohols ethoxylated with 20 moles of ethylene oxide.
Stearic alcohol is most frequently obtained from vegetable sources and Steareth 20 is a fully vegan ingredient without any components of animal origin.
As it complies with the quality requirements of the pharmacy code published in the European Pharmacopoeia, Steareth 20 is classified in the Macrogol Cetostearyl Ether group.
The CAS global identification number of Steareth 20 is 68439-49-6.
Description of Steareth 20:
Steareth 20 is a non-ionic oil in water (O/W) emulsifier that is widely used in personal care, household and industrial applications.
Offering high solubility and serving as a cleanser and wetting agent, Steareth 20 is used in emulsion-based cosmetic products including creams, lotions, sprayable lotions, hair conditioners and sunscreen products.
Steareth 20 is also used in antiperspirants and deodorants, face care products, hair coloring and conditioning products.
Physical and chemical properties of Steareth 20:
Under normal conditions of room temperature (approx. 25oC) and atmospheric pressure, Steareth 20 is a white solid whose consistency resembles wax.
Steareth 20 has exceptionally good dispersing, solubilizing (i.e. enhancing solubility) and thickening properties.
Steareth 20 exhibits high stability in the presence of electrolytes and hard water, but it is sensitive to specific changes of the environment it is in.
If its solution is acidified, Steareth 20 undergoes hydrolysis and breaks up into smaller portions.
The very high degree of ethoxylation of cetyl-stearyl alcohol shows strong hydrophilic properties of the substances.
Thus Steareth 20 is an excellent stabilising agent and O/W (oil-in-water) emulsifier.
This means Steareth 20 can combine two independent – water and oil – phases of a formulation and thus ensure the appropriate form of the final product.
Steareth 20 is a foaming substance which stabilises and improves the quality of foam in compositions that use its combination with anionic surfactants, since mixed micelles are formed there.
Steareth 20 can act as a solubilizer, i.e. an agent which can introduce hardly soluble substances (e.g. plant extracts and oils or olfactory compositions) into aqueous solutions.
As regards the varied sensitivity of active substances to high temperatures, Steareth 20 can be used as an ingredient in the emulsification process already at room temperature due to its high emulsifying properties.
In turn, with its high dispersing and stabilising properties, Steareth 20 enhances the production of formulations that are available as solids, e.g. in ointments.
Steareth 20 can improve the consistency as it is a rheology modifier.
Steareth 20 also ensures very good and even dispersing of the active substance in spray compositions.
According to Global Organisations that conduct research of active substances, Steareth 20 is considered a safe agent with no restrictions applied to its use.
Steareth 20 is non-allergenic and non-comedogenic so it is not excluded for people with acne or problematic skin.
No negative environmental impacts of Steareth 20 have been recorded.
Steareth 20
White pellets of non-ionic polyoxyethylene ether of higher saturated fats (cetyl/stearyl alcohol).
Steareth 20 has no odour and can be mixed with a wide variety of oils from fully natural to synthetic.
Characteristics of Steareth 20:
A good all round emulsifier to produce o/w emulsions which are compatible with a large range of oils.
Steareth 20 can be used alone or best combined with other emulsifiers to help stabilise the emulsion.
Products to Use Steareth 20 in:
Moisture Cream
Moisture Lotion
Body Butter
Cleanser
Face Mask
Skin Peels
Shower Gel
Shampoo
Conditioner
Steareth 20 is used as cleansing agent, a surfactant and an emulsifier, like many other PEG and other oil derived substances.
KEYWORDS:
68439-49-6, Steareth, C16-18 alcohols ethoxylated (20 mol EO average molar ratio), Octadecan-1-ol ethoxylated, 1 - 2.5 moles ethoxylated, Polyoxyl stearyl ether, Poly(oxy-1 2-ethanediyl) .alpha.-octadecyl-.omega.-hydroxy-, 2-[2-(octadecyloxy)ethoxy]ethan-1-ol, 2-octadecoxyethanol, alpha-octadecyl-omega-hydroxy-polyglycolether
How to use Steareth 20:
Heat the Steareth 20 to 60c - 70c within the oill stage of your formulations.
Ensure the Steareth 20 is fully disolved into your oil stage (use agitation if required) in order to minimise the risk of graininess in your final formulation.
Precautions of Steareth 20:
At pure usage levels Steareth 20 can cause irritation to the skin.
INCI Name: Steareth 20
Chemical Name: C16-18 alcohols, ethoxylated (20 mol EO average molar ratio)
HS Code: 3402.13
CAS Number: 68439-49-6
Product Form: Solid
Reach: Exempt
When blending always take the following precautions:
Use gloves (disposable are ideal)
Take care when handling hot oils
Wear eye protection
Work in a well ventilated room
Keep ingredients and hot oils away from children
If ingested, seek immediate medical advice
If contact made with eyes, rinse immediately with clean warm water and seek medical advice if in any doubt.
Applications of Steareth 20:
Skin Care
Sun Care
Mother and baby
Hair care
Shampoo and Conditioner
Treatment
Styling product
Hair color
Bath and Body
Men
Skin care
Body care
Oral Care
Face Care
Self Tanning
Product Specification of Steareth 20:
Appearance at 25C/50: White flakes
PH of 5% Soin in Dist Water: 6.00 – 8.0
Odour : Mild characteristic
Solubility in DW (5%): Soluble
Cloud Point °C (1% in water): 75 – 79
Moisture, % by weight: 1.0 max
Hydroxyl Value, mg KOH/g: 44 - 55
Solidification Point, °C: 39 – 42
Safety First:
In addition to our precautions and general safety information, we always recommend keeping a first aid kit nearby.
You are working with hot water and oils, accidents can happen, so always be prepared!
Applications of Steareth 20:
Steareth 20 is a valuable ingredient, a washing substance which removes impurities from both the hair and skin.
Steareth 20 can remove any dirt and make-up thoroughly so it is used in the formulations of face washing products and make-up removers.
Due to its softening and conditioning properties, Steareth 20 is used in body lotions, hand and foot creams and hair masks and conditioners.
As Steareth 20 is an excellent dispersant for the active ingredients in spray formulations, we can find it in dressings of this type and in antiseptic compositions.
Since it is based on the structure of polyethylene glycol, Steareth 20 enhances the permeability of active substances into the skin, by improving transepidermal permeability, and thus it is a valuable ingredient of face creams and oils.
According to the Cosmetics Database this ingredient is found most often in eye creams, anti-aging skin care products and moisturizers, but has been used to a lesser degree in many other forms of cosmetics.
A waxy solid material that helps oil and water to mix together, aka emulsifier.
Steareth 20 is derived from the fatty alcohol called stearyl alcohol by ethoxylating it and thus making the molecule more water-soluble.
The end result is a mostly water-loving emulsifier, also called solubilizer that can help to dissolve small amounts of oil-loving ingredients into water-based products.
Or it can be combined with more oil-loving emulsifiers (such as its sister, Steareth-2) to create stable emulsions.
Steareth- 20 as surfactant is used for skin and hair-cleaning purposes and as emulsifier and solubilizing agent in cosmetics and Hair Colorants.
Steareth 20 helps to keep the product stable over time and is also a "wash-out" component in Developers and Hair Colorants, means it helps to remove all residues after a Hair Color application.
What Is Steareth 20?
Steareth 20 is a synthetic ingredient that functions as a cleansing agent, a surfactant, and an emulsifier in a variety of cosmetics and skincare products.
The group of steareth ingredients are synthetic compounds that are created through a process known as ethoxylation, a chemical reaction in which ethylene oxide is added to a substrate.
With Steareth 20, the substrate is stearyl alcohol, a fatty alcohol that is derived from stearic acid.
The number associated with the Steareth 20 indicates the average number of repeating ethylene oxide units in the molecule.
The steareth ingredients are waxy solids that can be used in cosmetics at concentrations of up to 25 percent.
Steareth 20 is a well-known ingredient used as an emulsifier and a surfactant in personal care products.
Learn all about Steareth 20 reviews and benefits.
Steareth 20 description:
Steareth 20 is a derivative of the benign fatty ingredient stearyl alcohol.
In cosmetics, Steareth 20 functions primarily as a surfactant but is also used to make products more stable, especially if they contain active ingredients in an emulsion.
CAS Number: 9005-00-9 / 2136-72-3 / 69980-69-4
Chem/IUPAC Name:2-octadecoxyethanol
EINECS/ELINCS No:500-017-8 / 218-374-0
COSING REF No:78992
APPEARANCE of Steareth 20:
White waxy solid with mild odor
FUNCTION of Steareth 20:
Is an emulsifier for the formulation of cosmetic O/W and W/O emulsions suitable for the preparation of antiperspirants.
TEGO- Steareth 20 is also suitable for O/W skin care creams and lotions, W/O skin care creams and lotions, deodorant and antiperspirant sprays and roll-ons, hair conditioner and wet wipes.
SYNONYMS:
Steareth 20; T/N: Unicol SA-20; T/N: Ethal SA-20; POE ( 20 ) Stearyl Alcohol; 2-octadecoxyethanol
STORAGE of Steareth 20:
Keep Steareth 20 container tightly closed.
Store Steareth 20 in dry, cool place, and protect from moisture.
Functions of Steareth 20:
Steareth 20 is used as cleansing agent, a surfactant and an emulsifier, like many other PEG and other oil derived substances.
According to the Cosmetics Database this ingredient is found most often in eye creams, anti-aging skin care products and moisturizers, but has been used to a lesser degree in many other forms of cosmetics.
Substance information of Steareth 20:
"Steareth-" refers to a PEG-(polyethylene glycol-) ether of stearyl alcohol or isostearyl alcohol.
The number behind "steareth-" refers to the average number of molecular units -CH2-CH2-O-.
Background information on use in cosmetics:
Polyethylene glycols (INCI: PEG-...) are poly condensation products of ethylene glycol, or polymerisation products of ethylene oxide.
The number added to the name refers to the mean number of ethylene oxide units in the substance.
The consistency of the PEG derivatives is increasingly solid with a growing degree of polymerisation.
PEGs with a mean molar mass of up to 600 g/mol are liquid, up to 1,000 g/mol wax-like and from 4,000 g/mol solid wax-like substances.
By mixing solid and liquid components, products of a creamy consistency are obtained which are used as water-free and water rinse-off bases.
With growing molar mass water solubility and hygroscopicity (ability to absorb moisture) of the polyethylene glycols decrease.
Surfactants are so-called detergent substances and have a major significance in cosmetics for the cleansing of the skin and hair.
Surfactants are substances which, based on their molecular structure, are able to reduce the surface tension of a liquid.
In this way it is possible that two actually not mixable substances, such as oil and water, can be finely mixed.
Because of their properties, surfactants have manifold uses in cosmetics: they can cleanse, produce foam and act as emulsifiers and mix substances with one another.
In shampoos, shower gels and soaps, surfactants are, for instance, used to wash fat and soil particles with water off from the body.
Surfactants are also used in toothpaste.
Here they promote during tooth cleaning the rapid and full dissolution and distribution of the paste in the mouth.
The surfactants used in cosmetic products are primarily produced synthetically on the basis of vegetable raw materials.
Surfactants are often used in combination to equally meet all desired requirements – like dissolution of soil and formation of foam in combination with a good skin tolerance – in the best possible manner.
Through a skilled combination of a surfactant – viewed on its own – with unfavourable skin tolerance but a very good soil removal property with a very mild, skin protecting surfactant altogether a product with good cleansing properties and the same good skin tolerances is obtained.
Emulsifiers are often used in cosmetics as excipients.
They allow actually unmixable components like oil and water to be brought in a permanently stable emulsion.
In this way both aqueous and oily care and active ingredients can be used in one and the same product in cosmetics.
Emulsifiers are able to do that since their molecules consist of a lipophilic and a hydrophilic part.
In this way they can reduce the interfacial tension which actually exists between two incompatible substances like fat and water.
Emulsifiers are, more particularly, used for creams, lotions and cleansing agents.
At present emulsifiers are, however, more than only excipients which keep an emulsion stable.
Fatty acid esters on the basis of sugar, lecithin or glycerin monodistearate contribute, for instance, to improving the moisture balance of the skin and are, therefore, also considered as cosmetic active ingredients.
Safety Measures/Side Effects:
Steareth 20 is FDA approved for use in cosmetics and further review by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review confirms that Steareth 20 itself is safe for cosmetic use.
However, the Cosmetic Database points out that because Steareth 20 is sourced from PPG it may well contain the contaminants ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane, which both have high activity as carcinogens.
Although Steareth 20 is highly unlikely that these contaminants would be present in significant concentration, it has been taken into account in the overall safety profile of Stearth 20 which has been labelled as having a low to moderate hazard to health by the Cosmetic Database.
What is Steareth 20 used for?
Steareth 20 mainly works as a surfactant, emulsifier, and solubilizer in cosmetics and personal care products.
The Steareth ingredients reduce the interactions between the molecules of other liquids when they are added to cosmetics and personal care products, causing an emulsion to form.
Some personal care products' ingredients would separate out if an ingredient like Steareth was not added.
Skin care: Steareth 20's benefits are not limited to only cleansing.
As an emulsifier, Steareth 20 facilitates the mixing of oil and water.
Steareth 20 is created by ethoxylating the fatty alcohol stearyl alcohol, which increases the molecule's water solubility.
The end result is an emulsifier-cum-solubilizer, that primarily prefers water and can help dissolve trace amounts of oil-loving ingredients into water-based products.
Or, to make stable emulsions, Steareth 20 can be mixed with emulsifiers that prefer oil, like its sister Steareth-2
Origin of Steareth 20:
Alkaline catalysis is by far the most common method of manufacture of alkyl PEG ethers, although acid catalysis is known.
The initiation of the alkaline catalyzed synthesis of alkyl PEG ethers consists of the addition of ethylene oxide to a dry solution of the appropriate alcohol (e.g., stearyl alcohol is used to synthesize steareths) with an alkali earth metal (e.g., potassium hydroxide) or alkoxide (e.g., sodium methoxide).
The reaction continues to propagate (i.e., continues to add additional units of ethylene glycol to the alcohol) until the available ethylene oxide is consumed and/or the reaction is terminated by the addition of an acid (e.g., hydrochloric acid).
Dioxane (1,4-diethylene dioxide; 1,4-dioxane) is commonly formed as a byproduct.
Finally, a finishing step is commonly employed via the addition of one or more oxidizing agents (e.g., hydrogen peroxide) or antioxidants/stabilizers (e.g., butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) or α-tocopherol (vitamin E).
What does Steareth 20 do in a formulation?
Cleansing
Emulsifying
Surfactant
Why Is Steareth 20 Used?
Steareth 20 is added to cosmetics and skincare products because it functions as a cleansing agent, a surfactant, and an emulsifier.
These abilities help to improve the texture and feel of skincare products.
Surfactants:
Surfactants are ingredients that lower the surface tension between two substances, such as two liquids or a liquid and a solid.
In skincare products, surfactants work to degrease and emulsify oils and fats and suspend dirt, allowing them to be washed away.
This is possible because while one end of the surfactant molecule is attracted to water, the other end is attracted to oil.
Thus, surfactants attract the oil, dirt, and other impurities that have accumulated on your skin during the day and wash them away.
Due to these properties, Steareth 20 can be found in many different cleansers and body washes.
Emulsifier:
Steareth 20 also functions as an emulsifier.
An emulsifier is needed for products that contain both water and oil-based ingredients.
When water and oil are mixed together the two ingredients often separate or split.
To address this problem, an emulsifier like Steareth 20 can be added which helps to produce a stable product.
Is Steareth 20 Safe?
The safety of the steareth ingredients, including Steareth 20, has been assessed by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel, a group responsible for evaluating the safety of skincare ingredients.
The CIR Expert Panel evaluated the scientific data and concluded that these ingredients were safe as cosmetic ingredients in the present practices of use and concentration.
In 2006, as part of the scheduled re-evaluation of ingredients, the CIR Expert Panel considered available new data on the steareth ingredients and reaffirmed the above conclusion.
Despite the approval of Steareth 20 are concerns about the presence of ethylene oxide in this ingredient.
This is because the process of ethoxylation may lead to contamination with 1,4-dioxane, a potentially dangerous by-product.
In fact, 1,4-dioxane is a known animal carcinogen that penetrates readily into the skin.
Steareth 20 has also been linked with skin allergies.
However, manufacturing and purifying processes and guidelines ensure the safety of ingredients that are produced via ethoxylation.
Safety Profile of Steareth 20:
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel has concluded Steareth 20 to be safe for use in cosmetics up to 25%.
Steareth ingredients may be animal-derived or synthetic.
They are prepared by interacting with the chemical intermediate gas ethylene oxide with stearyl alcohol, a process which forms an entirely new stable compound.
The number that comes after (for instance, 20) indicates the average number of ethylene oxide units used in the preparation.
There have been concerns about the safety of steareth ingredients because toxic 1,4-dioxane, a by-product of ethoxylation, can be produced; however, this is eliminated through purification processes.
The independent Cosmetic Ingredient Review panel has ruled that Steareth 20 is safe as used in cosmetics in amounts up to 25%.
Polyethylene glycol ethers of stearic acid make up the Steareth ingredients (Steareth-2, Steareth-4, Steareth-6, Steareth-7, Steareth-10, Steareth-11, Steareth-13, Steareth-15, and Steareth 20).
Steareth 20 primarily functions as a surfactant and emulsifier in cosmetic products and is generally available as a waxy, solid material.
Steareth 20 can be used in the creation of personal hygiene products, deodorants, fragrances, skin, eye, and hair products.
Steareth 20 Technical profile:
Property: Values
Boiling Point: 1060°C
Melting Point : 48-53°C
pH: 9.0-11.0
FORMULATIONS with Steareth 20
Skin Care: Whitening Essence
This Whitening Essence features: AC-GG: is a humectant with high stability, multifunctionality and low reactivity.
AC-200: exhibits moisturizing, lubricating properties and anti-ultraviolet effect.
AC-MAP: offers whitening effect, inhibits tyrosinase activity and reduces melanin.
A formulation by SOHO ANECO Chemicals.
Skin Care: Antioxidant Essence
This Antioxidant Essence contains: AC-200: possesses moisturizing, lubricating properties and anti-ultraviolet effect.
AC-GG: is a humectant with high stability, multifunctionality and low reactivity.
AC-EGT: is a super antioxidant, ultraviolet filter and protector.
A formulation by SOHO ANECO Chemicals.
Decorative Cosmetics: Lightweight Face Primer (Oil-Free)
This Lightweight Face Primer (Oil-Free) features Cola Lipid DCCA and Cola Moist 200 for a silky, lightweight and creamy soft makeup base that smoothly conditions skin with its gentle texture for a makeup-ready complexion.
A formulation by Colonial Chemical.
Skin Care: Sensitive Skin Care Cream
This Sensitive Skin Care Cream is gentle enough for daily use.
It reduces redness and soothes irritation whilst also hydrating and protecting skin.
A formulation by Oat Cosmetics.
Skin Care: Supreme Luxurious Cream
This Supreme Luxurious Cream has super rich high-density creamy texture that magically melts in contact with the skin. It is packed with cocoa butter and delivers hyper-nourishing experience with graceful elegance. Gemseal® 60 and Gemseal® 120 helps to create a reach round feel upon application. Gemseal® 40 makes spreading easy and pleasurable. A formulation by Total Special Fluids.
Steareth 20 at a glance:
-Derivative of fatty alcohol stearyl alcohol
-Functions as a surfactant and stabiliser
-Helps keep ingredients together in an emulsion
-Deemed safe as used in cosmetics
INCI name: Steareth 20
Comedogenic potential (pc): 2
Classification: Ethoxylated compound
Steareth 20's functions (INCI):
Cleaning agent: Helps keep a surface clean
Emulsifying agent: Promotes the formation of intimate mixtures between immiscible liquids by modifying the interfacial tension (water and oil)
Surfactant: Reduces the surface tension of cosmetics and contributes to the even distribution of the product during use
What Is Steareth 20?
The Steareth ingredients (Steareth-2, Steareth-4, Steareth-6, Steareth-7, Steareth-10, Steareth-11, Steareth-13, Steareth-15, Steareth 20) are polyethylene glycol ethers of stearci acid.
They are waxy compounds. In cosmetics and personal care products, Steareth ingredients are used in the formulation of personal cleanliness products and deodorants, as well as suntan, fragrance, skin, eye and hair products.
Why is Steareth 20 used in cosmetics and personal care products?
When added to cosmetics and personal care products, the Steareth ingredients reduce the interactive forces between molecules of other liquids so that an emulsion is formed.
If an ingredient such as a Steareth is not added to some personal care products, the ingredients in the product would separate like some salad dressings.
Scientific Facts about Steareth 20:
The Steareths are prepared by reacting ethylene oxide with stearyl alcohol where the numerical value in the name corresponds to the average number of units of ethylene oxide.
For example, Steareth-2 is prepared using an average of 2 units of ethylene oxide reacted with stearyl alcohol.
Safety Information:
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) permits fatty alcohols (including stearic alcohol) reacted with polyethylene glycol to be used as indirect food additives as components of textiles and textile fibers.
The safety of Steareth-2, Steareth-4, Steareth-6, Steareth-7, Steareth-10, Steareth-11, Steareth-13, Steareth-15 and Steareth 20 has been assessed by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel.
The CIR Expert Panel evaluated the scientific data and concluded that these ingredients were safe as cosmetic ingredients in the present practices of use and concentration.
In 2006, as part of the scheduled re-evaluation of ingredients, the CIR Expert Panel considered available new data on the Steareth ingredients and reaffirmed the above conclusion.
More safety Information about Steareth 20:
CIR Safety Review: The CIR Expert Panel decided that the data on Steareth-2, -10, and -20 were sufficient to reach a decision on the entire group of Steareth ingredients, including Steareth-4, -6, -11, -13 and -15 because of the chemical similarity of all the Steareths.
Steareth-2 and -10 were nontoxic in acute oral toxicity studies.
In subchronic testing, Steareth 20 was nontoxic when administered dermally at concentrations of 4%.
Steareth-2 and -10, at concentrations up to 60% in water, were at most mildly irritating to eyes and only mild irritants when tested in cosmetic formulations at concentrations up to 60%.
Structurally similar polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers were neither mutagenic nor tumor promoters.
Steareth-2, -10 and -20 in water were neither primary irritants nor sensitizers to human skin.
Steareth 20 was not phototoxic.
Small amounts of 1,4-dioxane, a by-product of ethoxylation, may be found in the Steareth ingredients.
The potential presence of this material is well known and can be controlled through purification steps to remove it from the ingredients before blending into cosmetic formulations.
Synonyms:
brij 76
brij S10
britex S 100
hetoxol STA-10
lipocol S-10
2-octadecoxyethanol (peg-10)
peg-10 stearyl ether
poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), .alpha.-octadecyl-.omega.-hydroxy- (10 mol EO average molar ratio)
polyethylene glycol (10) stearyl ether
polyoxyethylene (10) stearyl alcohol ether
polyoxyethylene (10) stearyl ether
About Steareth 20:
Steareth 20 is registered under the REACH Regulation and is manufactured in and / or imported to the European Economic Area, at ≥ 1 000 tonnes per annum.
Steareth 20 is used by consumers, in articles, by professional workers (widespread uses), in formulation or re-packing, at industrial sites and in manufacturing.
Consumer Uses of Steareth 20:
Steareth 20 is used in the following products: washing & cleaning products, plant protection products, lubricants and greases, air care products, polishes and waxes and fillers, putties, plasters, modelling clay.
Other release to the environment of Steareth 20 is likely to occur from: indoor use (e.g. machine wash liquids/detergents, automotive care products, paints and coating or adhesives, fragrances and air fresheners) and outdoor use.
Article service life of Steareth 20:
Other release to the environment of Steareth 20 is likely to occur from: indoor use in long-life materials with low release rate (e.g. flooring, furniture, toys, construction materials, curtains, foot-wear, leather products, paper and cardboard products, electronic equipment), outdoor use in long-life materials with low release rate (e.g. metal, wooden and plastic construction and building materials), indoor use (e.g. machine wash liquids/detergents, automotive care products, paints and coating or adhesives, fragrances and air fresheners), outdoor use, outdoor use in long-life materials with high release rate (e.g. tyres, treated wooden products, treated textile and fabric, brake pads in trucks or cars, sanding of buildings (bridges, facades) or vehicles (ships)) and indoor use in long-life materials with high release rate (e.g. release from fabrics, textiles during washing, removal of indoor paints).
Steareth 20 can be found in complex articles, with no release intended: vehicles.
Steareth 20 can be found in products with material based on: stone, plaster, cement, glass or ceramic (e.g. dishes, pots/pans, food storage containers, construction and isolation material), plastic (e.g. food packaging and storage, toys, mobile phones) and wood (e.g. floors, furniture, toys).
Steareth 20 is intended to be released from scented: clothes.
Widespread uses by professional workers of Steareth 20:
Steareth 20 is used in the following products: washing & cleaning products, polishes and waxes and plant protection products.
Steareth 20 is used for the manufacture of: textile, leather or fur.
Other release to the environment of Steareth 20 is likely to occur from: indoor use (e.g. machine wash liquids/detergents, automotive care products, paints and coating or adhesives, fragrances and air fresheners) and outdoor use.
Formulation or re-packing of Steareth 20:
Steareth 20 is used in the following products: lubricants and greases, washing & cleaning products, textile treatment products and dyes, metal working fluids and cosmetics and personal care products.
Release to the environment of Steareth 20 can occur from industrial use: formulation of mixtures.
Uses at industrial sites of Steareth 20:
Steareth 20 is used in the following products: washing & cleaning products, metal surface treatment products, textile treatment products and dyes, polymers, pH regulators and water treatment products, lubricants and greases and leather treatment products.
Steareth 20 is used for the manufacture of: textile, leather or fur.
Release to the environment of Steareth 20 can occur from industrial use: in processing aids at industrial sites and in the production of articles.
Manufacture of Steareth 20:
Release to the environment of Steareth 20 can occur from industrial use: manufacturing of the substance.
Regulatory process names:
Octadecan-1-ol, ethoxylated
Octadecan-1-ol, ethoxylated
1 - 2.5 moles ethoxylated
Polyoxyl stearyl ether
CAS names:
Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), .alpha.-octadecyl-.omega.-hydroxy-
IUPAC names:
1-(2-$l^{1}-oxidanylethoxy)octadecane
2-[2-(octadecyloxy)ethoxy]ethan-1-ol
2-Octadecoxyethanol
2-octadecoxyethanol
alpha-octadecyl-omega-hydroxy-polyglycolether
Octadecan-1-ol, ethoxylated
Octadecan-1-ol, ethoxylated (1 - 2.5 mol EO)
Octadecan-1-ol, ethoxylated (1 - 2.5 moles ethoxylated)
Octadecan-1-ol, ethoxylated (10 mol EO)
Octadecan-1-ol, ethoxylated, < 2.5 EO
Octadecan-1-ol, ethoxylated, < 2.5 EO
Poly (oxy-1,2-ethanediyl) - α - octadecyl -ω- hydroxyl
Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl) , .alpha.-octadecyl-.omega.-hydroxy-
Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), .alpha.-octadecyl-.omega.-hydroxy-
poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), .alpha.-octadecyl-.omega.-hydroxy-
Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), a-octadecyl-w-hydroxy-
Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), a-octadecyl-w-hydroxy- (2-5EO)
Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), alpha-octadecyl-omega-hydroxy-
Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), α-octadecyl-.omega.-hydroxy-
Steareth-2
stearyl alcohol, ehtoxylated
Trade names:
1-Octadecanol, monoether with polyethylene glycol
[1-14C]Octadecylalkohol + 7 EO; 7-EO
A 20
A 20 (Chinese surfactant)
Aduxol ST 05
Alcool en C18 éthoxylé
Alkasurf SA 2
Alkyl polyglycol ether C18 with EO
Alkyl Polyglykolether C18 mit EO
ARLYPON SA 10 FEST; 10-EO
Arlypon SA 10; 10-EO
Arlypon SA 20 D; 20-EO
ARLYPON SA 20 FEST; 20-EO
Arlypon SA 20; 20-EO
Arlypon SA 4 D; 4-EO
Arlypon SA 4; 4-EO
Arlypon SA 6; 6-EO
ARLYPON SA 7 FEST; 7-EO
ARLYPON SA 7; 7-EO
Avivan SO 6
Berol 043
Berol 08
Brij 700
Brij 72
Brij 721
BRIJ 721 FL; 21-EO
Brij 721 P; 21-EO
Brij 721 VP; 21-EO
BRIJ 721; 21-EO
BRIJ 72; 2-EO
Brij 76
BRIJ 76; 10-EO
Brij 78
BRIJ 78 P; 20-EO
Brij 78; 20-EO
C18-Fettalkohol + 12 EO; 12-EO
C18-Fettalkohol + 14 EO; 14-EO
C18-Fettalkohol + 20 EO; 20-EO
C18-Fettalkohol + 28 EO; 28-EO
C18-Fettalkohol + 52 EO; 52-EO
Cemulsol DB 25/18
Cetalox AT
Ekaline G 80
EM 1207
Empilan KM 50
EMTHOX 5888-A POE (20) STEARYL ALCOHOL; 20-EO
Emulgen 306P
Emulgen 310
Emulgen 320P
Emulgen 3299
ESK 1
ESK 1 (demulsifier)
Ethosperse CA 20
Ethoxylated octadecyl alcohol
Ethoxylated stearyl alcohol
Eumulgin S 21; 21-EO
Eumulgin S 2; 2-EO
Eumulgin SA 2; 2-EO
FAEO C18 + 10EO; 10-EO
FAEO C18 + 11EO; 11-EO
FAEO C18 + 12EO; 12-EO
FAEO C18 + 13EO; 13-EO
FAEO C18 + 14.6EO; 14,6-EO
FAEO C18 + 14EO; 14-EO
FAEO C18 + 15EO; 15-EO
FAEO C18 + 20EO; 20-EO
FAEO C18 + 21EO; 21-EO
FAEO C18 + 28EO; 28-EO
FAEO C18 + 2EO; 2-EO
FAEO C18 + 30EO; 30-EO
FAEO C18 + 4EO; 4-EO
FAEO C18 + 52EO; 52-EO
FAEO C18 + 5EO; 5-EO
FAEO C18 + 6EO; 6-EO
FAEO C18 + 7EO; 7-EO
FAEO C18 + nEO; n-EO
Fettalkoholpolyglykolether
G 3694POE
G 3710
G 3720
G 3720POE
Genapol S
Genapol S 020
Genapol S 100
Genapol S 150
Glycols, polyethylene, monooctadecyl ether
Heptaethylene glycol monooctadecyl ether
Hetoxol STA 30
IDH 45601; 4-EO
LAMECREME SA 7 FEST; 7-EO
Lamecreme SA 7; 7-EO
Leunapon-F 18
Levenol PW
Lipocol S 20
LOROL C 18 + 2EO; 2-EO
Macol SA
Macol SA 10
Macol SA 100
Macol SA 15
Macol SA 2
Macol SA 20
MACOL SA 20; 20-EO
Macol SA 40
Macol SA 5
Marlipal 1850
Mergital S 2
Mergital S 21; 21-EO
Newcol 1807
Nissan Dispanol 16A
Nissan Nonion S 207
Nissan Nonion S 215
Nissan Nonion S 220
Nissan Nonion S 230
Noigen 140E
Nonion S 207
Octadecanol + EO
Octadecylalkohol + 7 [14C]EO; 7-EO
Poly(oxy-1,2-ethandiyl), α-octadecyl-ω-hydroxy-
Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), α-octadecyl-ω-hydroxy-
POLYOXYAETHYLEN(10)STEARYLAETHER
POLYOXYAETHYLEN(2)STEARYLAETHER
POLYOXYAETHYLEN(20)STEARYLAETHER
Polyoxyethylen
Polyoxyethylen-(2)-Stearylalkohol
Polyoxyethylen-Stearylalkohol-ether
Polyoxyethylen-stearylether
Sansheng AFE 7620
Stearath 7
Stearath 7 (CTFA)
STEARETH
Steareth
Steareth-10
Steareth-10 (INCI)
Steareth-100
Steareth-100 (INCI)
Steareth-10; 10-EO
Steareth-11
Steareth-11 (INCI)
Steareth-11; 11-EO
Steareth-13
Steareth-13 (INCI)
Steareth-13; 13-EO
Steareth-14
Steareth-14 (INCI)
Steareth-15
Steareth-15 (INCI)
Steareth-15; 15-EO
Steareth-16
Steareth-16 (INCI)
Steareth-2
Steareth-2 (CTFA)
Steareth-2 (INCI)
Steareth 20
Steareth 20 (INCI)
Steareth 20; 20-EO
Steareth-21
Steareth-21 (INCI)
Steareth-25
Steareth-25 (INCI)
Steareth-27
Steareth-27 (INCI)
Steareth-2; 2-EO
Steareth-3
Steareth-3 (INCI)
Steareth-30
Steareth-30 (INCI)
Steareth-4
Steareth-4 (INCI)
Steareth-40
Steareth-40 (INCI)
Steareth-4; 4-EO
Steareth-5
Steareth-5 (INCI)
Steareth-50
Steareth-50 (INCI)
Steareth-10
Steareth-10 (INCI)
Steareth-10; 6-EO
Steareth-7
Steareth-7 (INCI)
Steareth-7; 7-EO
STEARYL ALCOHOL + 2EO; 2-EO
Stearyl alcohol, ethoxylated
Stearylalkohol + 2 EO; 2-EO
Stearylalkohol + 7 EO; 7-EO
Stearylalkohol + EO
Stearylalkohol 21 EO; 21-EO
STEARYLALKOHOL 4 EO GEREINIGT; 4-EO
STEARYLALKOHOL 4 EO; 4-EO
Stearylalkohol 6 EO/Stearylalkohol; 6-EO
Stearylalkohol 7 EO/Stearylalkohol; 7-EO
Stearylalkohol EO 20
Stearylalkohol-(10)polyglycolether
Stearylalkohol-(20)polyglycolether
Stearylalkohol-(4)polyglycolether
Stearylalkohol-(5)polyglycolether
Stearylalkohol-(6)polyglycolether
Stearylalkohol-(7)polyglycolether
Stearylalkohol-(XX)polyglycolether
Stearylether
Sympatens-AS/020
Tego Antifoam 204
Um A 549; 14,6-EO
Volpo S 2; 2-EO
Volpo S2
Volpo S2A
Xiameter AFE 7610
α-Octadécyl-ω-hydroxypoly(oxyéthylène)
Other names:
Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), .alpha.-octadecyl-.omega.-hydroxy
Other identifiers:
106707-02-2
106707-02-2
107120-43-4
107120-43-4
107120-44-5
1150565-38-0
1150565-38-0
12679-67-3
12679-67-3
130419-63-5
130419-63-5
1436693-16-1
1436693-16-1
147827-15-4
147827-15-4
161622-43-1
161622-43-1
171286-87-6
171286-87-6
181828-61-5
181828-61-5
31798-99-9
31798-99-9
31917-55-2
31917-55-2
32127-87-0
32127-87-0
459409-05-3
459409-05-3
503027-88-1
503027-88-1
51109-88-7
51109-88-7
55247-83-1
58339-87-0
58339-87-0
59890-16-3
59890-16-3
623588-92-1
623588-92-1
65489-62-5
65489-62-5
74749-69-2
74749-69-2
74749-72-7
74749-72-7
78690-64-9
78690-64-9
8013-79-4
8013-79-4
80700-13-6
80700-13-6
9005-00-9
96595-44-7
96595-44-7