Ceteareth-60 Myristyl Glycol is an emulsifier and conditioning agent commonly used in cosmetic and personal care products such as creams, lotions, cleansers, and hair care formulations. It is a fatty alcohol ether, produced by the ethoxylation (addition of ethoxy groups) of cetearyl alcohol and myristyl glycol. This ingredient is particularly valued for its ability to blend oil and water-based ingredients, improving the texture and stability of cosmetic formulations.

Chemical Composition and Structure
Ceteareth-60 Myristyl Glycol is created by ethoxylating cetearyl alcohol (a mix of long-chain fatty alcohols, primarily cetyl and stearyl alcohol) with 60 moles of ethylene oxide and myristyl glycol, a compound derived from myristic acid. This combination gives Ceteareth-60 Myristyl Glycol its emulsifying and conditioning properties, allowing it to effectively bind oily and water-based ingredients in cosmetic formulations.

Physical Properties
Ceteareth-60 Myristyl Glycol typically appears as a waxy substance or a viscous liquid, ranging in color from white to pale yellow. It is soluble in both water and oils, making it an effective emulsifier in a wide variety of cosmetic products. It improves the texture of formulations, making them easier to apply and enhancing the feel on the skin or hair.

Production Process
Ceteareth-60 Myristyl Glycol is produced through a chemical process called ethoxylation, where cetearyl alcohol is treated with ethylene oxide, followed by the addition of myristyl glycol. This process creates a stable and versatile emulsifier suitable for use in a broad range of personal care products.

Applications

• Skin Care: Ceteareth-60 Myristyl Glycol is commonly used in creams, lotions, and serums to stabilize and improve the texture of formulations. It helps blend oily and water-based ingredients, keeping the skin hydrated and smooth.

• Hair Care: It is used in conditioners, hair masks, and treatments for its conditioning properties, helping to improve hair manageability and reduce frizz.

• Cleansers: In facial and body cleansers, Ceteareth-60 Myristyl Glycol acts as an emulsifier, allowing for gentle cleansing without drying the skin.

INCI Functions:

Surfactant - Emulsifying agent. Emulsions are thermodynamically unstable and are used to soothe or soften the skin and emulsify, so they need a specific, stabilising ingredient. This ingredient forms a film, lowers the surface tension and makes two immiscible liquids miscible. A very important factor affecting the stability of the emulsion is the amount of the emulsifying agent. Emulsifiers have the property of reducing the oil/water or water/oil interfacial tension, improving the stability of the emulsion and also directly influencing the stability, sensory properties and surface tension of sunscreens by modulating the filmometric performance.

Surfactant - Cleansing agent. Cosmetic products used to cleanse the skin utilise the surface-active action that produces a lowering of the surface tension of the stratum corneum, facilitating the removal of dirt and impurities.

CAS: 243133-67-7

Health and Safety Considerations

Skin Safety
Ceteareth-60 Myristyl Glycol is generally considered safe for use in cosmetic products. It is widely used in many personal care formulations and is not known to cause significant irritation or sensitization when used within recommended concentrations. However, like many ethoxylated compounds, it is important to ensure that it is free from impurities such as ethylene oxide or 1,4-dioxane, which can be potential contaminants.

Allergic Reactions
Allergic reactions to Ceteareth-60 Myristyl Glycol are rare, but individuals with particularly sensitive skin or allergies to ethoxylated compounds should exercise caution when using products that contain this ingredient.

Toxicity and Carcinogenicity
There is no evidence that Ceteareth-60 Myristyl Glycol is toxic or carcinogenic when used properly. It has been evaluated by regulatory bodies such as the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR), which approves its use in cosmetic formulations within safe concentration limits.

Environmental and Safety Considerations
As a synthetic compound, Ceteareth-60 Myristyl Glycol may not be easily biodegradable. However, its use in cosmetic formulations is considered environmentally safe, provided proper disposal practices are followed. Manufacturers should ensure responsible production processes to avoid environmental contamination.

Regulatory Status
Ceteareth-60 Myristyl Glycol is approved for use in cosmetic and personal care products in many regions, including the European Union and the United States. Its use is regulated to ensure it meets safety standards, particularly concerning purity and the presence of potential contaminants.

The term 'eth' in Cetearteh, refers to the ethoxylation reaction with ethylene oxide after which residues of ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane, chemical compounds considered carcinogenic, may remain. The degree of safety therefore depends on the degree of purity of the compound obtained. At present, no manufacturer is known to provide this information on the label.