Ceteareth-6 is a non-ionic surfactant from the group of ethoxylated cetearyl alcohols. It is a component of many cosmetic formulations, where it acts as an emulsifier, stabiliser and dispersant. It is included in formulations used in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries and in dermocosmetics.
A chemical compound with the INCI (International Cosmetic Ingredient Nomenclature) name Ceteareth-6 is an ethoxylated cetearyl alcohol that belongs to a large group of non-ionic surfactants. The chemical name of this compound is ethoxylated cetostearyl alcohol, and also macrogol cetostearyl ether. The CAS number, the numerical designation assigned to the chemical, for Ceteareth-6 is 68439-49-6.
The physical and chemical properties of Ceteareth-6:
Ceteareth-6 is available in the PCC Group’s portfolio, among others, as a product under the trade name: ROKAnol® T6PF. This product meets a number of restrictive quality requirements previously defined in the pharmacy code. They have been compiled and published in the latest edition of the European Pharmacopoeia. Meeting these requirements means that ROKAnol® T6PF can be classified as Macrogol Cetostearyl Ether.
Ceteareth-6 as a surfactant shows very good dispersing, solubilising and thickening properties. These features result from the chemical structure of this compound, typical for surfactants – they have a hydrophilic moiety (with a strong affinity for water) and a hydrophobic moiety (strongly interacting with the oil phase). As a dispersant, Ceteareth-6 evenly disperses the particles of the individual ingredients in the emulsion, ensuring homogeneity of the formulation. In addition, as a solubiliser, it facilitates the dissolution of the individual components in the solvent. Solubilisers such as Ceteareth-6 are especially useful in cosmetics of water content up to 95%. Thanks to the solubilisers, it is possible to introduce fatty substances, fragrances and other substances insoluble in water.
Very good emulsifying properties of Ceteareth-6 determine its use to create and stabilise water-in-oil emulsions – water particles suspended in the oil phase). Emulsifiers, such as Ceteareth-6, accumulate at the phase boundary, thereby lowering the surface tension and allowing the fusion of phases with different chemical characteristics (water phase and oil phase). These types of emulsifiers (dedicated for water-in-oil emulsions) are used, for example, for the production of ointments or dermocosmetics, where the water-soluble active substance requires homogeneous dispersion in the hydrophobic phase, which is usually an oil base.
