ISOCETETH-20
ISOCETETH-20, also known as isoceteth-20, is made by ethoxylating branched C16 fatty alcohols. The 20 refers to the average molar ratio of ethylene oxide units added to that fatty alcohol, so it is a family of molecules rather than one single, fixed-size substance.
ISOCETETH-20: what it is
ISOCETETH-20, also known as isoceteth-20, is made by ethoxylating branched C16 fatty alcohols. The 20 refers to the average molar ratio of ethylene oxide units added to that fatty alcohol, so it is a family of molecules rather than one single, fixed-size substance.
Its branched fatty portion has more affinity for oily materials, while its ethoxylated portion has affinity for water. That combination lets it bridge phases that would naturally separate. It is not the same as a plant oil or a simple fatty alcohol: ethoxylation changes how the material behaves in a mixture.
ISOCETETH-20: what it does in cosmetics
In cosmetics, ISOCETETH-20 helps oil and water mix and can also take part in cleansing. In a lotion or liquid product, this can help keep oily components dispersed through a water-based product, supporting a more even appearance. In rinse-off products, surfactants help water lift away oil and residue.
The amount used and the product's other components change the practical result. A study of hydroalcoholic acne formulations evaluated nonionic surfactant systems that included isoceteth-20 alongside other components; it does not show that ISOCETETH-20 alone treats acne or behaves the same way in every cosmetic product.
Products containing this ingredient
See which products include it and the name used in each composition.
