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| Catalog Number | CI-SC-0334 |
| Product Name | Steareth-21 |
| CAS | 9005-00-9 |
| Description | Acts as solid non-ionic O/W emulsifier. It is a fatty alcohol polyglycol ether with non-ionic character. HLB 15.5. Saponification value 2.0 maximum. |
| Appearance | White waxy solid |
| Application | Emulsions for skin and hair care products |
| Storage | Store light-protected at a cool and dry place |
| HS Code | 3402130000 |
| INCI | Steareth-21 |
| Uses | Recommended use level 1-5%. For external use only. |
Steareth-21 is a polyoxyethylene stearyl ether, known for its role as an effective oil-in-water emulsifier, particularly suitable for polar oil creams and lotions. As a nonionic surfactant, it boasts a high HLB value of 15.5, making it adept at creating stable emulsions. The impressive emulsifying properties of Steareth-21 stem from its composition, which includes stearyl alcohol as the lipophilic component and a diverse distribution of ethylene oxide chain lengths. Although initially developed for emulsifying ceto-stearyl alcohols, its remarkable versatility extends to a broader range of oil-in-water emulsification applications. Its unique chemical structure enables it to effectively emulsify polar oils, which are prized for their emollient, spreading, solvent, and carrier attributes, despite the formulation challenges they present. Steareth-21 demonstrates outstanding performance in providing stable emulsions even in challenging conditions, including tolerance to high ethanol levels and a wide pH range. Moreover, it helps stabilize antiperspirant emulsions containing aluminum zirconium salts and contributes to producing dense, rich foams and creams with an appealing surface gloss. Its exceptional temperature stability and flexibility with different emollient combinations further enhance its utility, making it less sensitive to formulation ratios compared to other emulsifiers.
What is Steareth-21, and what are its primary uses?
Steareth-21 is a polyoxyethylene (PEG 21 moles) stearyl ether, appearing as a white solid that is nearly colorless with a slightly waxy odor. It functions as a nonionic surface active agent and is primarily used as an oil-in-water emulsifier due to its high Hydrophilic-Lipophilic Balance (HLB) value of 15.5, making it particularly effective for use in polar oil creams and lotions.
What makes Steareth-21 an effective emulsifier for oil-in-water products?
The effectiveness of Steareth-21 as an emulsifier is attributed to its superior emulsifying characteristics provided by stearyl alcohol as a lipophile, and the unique distribution of ethylene oxide chain lengths. This allows Steareth-21 to efficiently emulsify a broad range of polar oils, making it versatile for use in various oil-in-water-type products.
Are there specific types of oils or formulations where Steareth-21 excels?
Steareth-21 is particularly successful in emulsifying polar oils known for their emollience, spreading, solvent, and carrier properties, although these oils can be challenging to formulate. Its robustness in stabilizing cetyl and stearyl alcohols, tolerance to high ethanol levels, and functionality across a wide pH range are noteworthy.
Can Steareth-21 be used in formulations with challenging conditions, such as high temperatures or varying pH levels?
Yes, Steareth-21 demonstrates excellent temperature stability and can maintain performance across a wide pH range. This versatility makes it suitable for a broad spectrum of emulsions, including those with challenging environmental conditions.
What are some specific applications of Steareth-21 in cosmetic formulations?
Steareth-21 is used to stabilize antiperspirant emulsions based on aluminum zirconium salts and produce dense, rich aerosol foams and creams with attractive surface gloss. Its ability to form stable emulsions with a variety of emollients further expands its application in cosmetic formulations.
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