Heliwet OC 20
What is Heliwet OC 20?
Heliwet OC 20 is a non-ionic surfactant with the INCI name Cetoleth-20. The product is based on a C16–C18 fatty alcohol (cetyl/oleyl) that has been ethoxylated with 20 moles of ethylene oxide. Due to this composition, Heliwet OC 20 has a strongly hydrophilic character and is particularly suitable for:
- Oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions
- Solubilization of fragrances and oils
- Improvement of spreading and wetting properties
Thanks to its HLB value (Hydrophilic-Lipophilic Balance), Cetoleth-20 is especially suitable for formulations where stability, reproducibility, and compatibility are essential.
Examples of applications:
- Face creams with vegetable oils
- Cleansing lotions with fragrance oils
- Technical emulsions in water-based systems
- Industrial cleaners with grease-dissolving components
Due to its non-ionic nature, Heliwet OC 20 is compatible with both anionic and cationic systems.
Packaging
- IBC
- Drum
- Can
CAS
INCI-name
Cetoleth-20
Application
- Technical
- Cosmetic
- Pharmaceutical
How is Cetoleth-20 produced?
Cetoleth-20 is produced through a controlled ethoxylation process. In this process, C16–C18 fatty alcohols react with ethylene oxide under controlled temperature and pressure conditions.
By adding an average of 20 moles of ethylene oxide, a surfactant is created with:
- High water solubility
- Good thermal stability
- Low sensitivity to water hardness
- Consistent batch quality
Within Europe, strict production and safety standards apply (including REACH registration of raw materials). Ethoxylation processes are continuously optimized in terms of safety, residual monomer content, and sustainability.
Recent developments in the market focus on:
- Reduction of 1,4-dioxane residual levels
- Use of renewable fatty alcohol sources
- Improved traceability in the supply chain
How does Heliwet OC 20 work in a formulation?
Heliwet OC 20 functions as:
1. Emulsifier
Heliwet OC 20 reduces the surface tension between oil and water, enabling the formation of stable emulsions.
Example:
In a body lotion, Cetoleth-20 ensures that vegetable oil remains evenly distributed without phase separation.
2. Solubilizer
Heliwet OC 20 makes small amounts of hydrophobic substances (such as fragrances or essential oils) soluble in aqueous systems.
Example:
In a micellar cleansing water, it helps keep fragrance stably and clearly dissolved.
3. Wetting agent
Heliwet OC 20 improves the spreading of liquids over a surface.
Example:
In industrial cleaners, it contributes to better penetration on contaminated surfaces.
Due to its non-ionic structure, Heliwet OC 20 is relatively mild and stable across a wide pH range.
In which industries is Heliwet OC 20 used?
Due to its broad applicability, Cetoleth-20 is used in both cosmetic and non-cosmetic applications.
Cosmetics & Personal Care
- Creams and lotions
- Cleansing products
- Hair care
- Sunscreen products
The INCI name Cetoleth-20 makes it suitable for labeling under the EU Cosmetics Regulation.
Pharmaceutical sector
- Dermatological emulsions
- Topical preparations
- Excipient in semi-solid formulations
Cleaning products & detergents
- Emulsification of fats and oils
- Industrial cleaning formulations
- Water-based degreasers
Technical and industrial applications
- Metalworking fluids
- Textile auxiliaries
- Water-based coatings
Besides Heliwet OC 20, we have other products in our range. Check it out on our insights page!
Frequently asked questions about Heliwet OC 20
1. What are the benefits of Heliwet OC 20?
- Good stability in oil-in-water emulsions
- Broad compatibility with other surfactants
- Good water solubility
- Suitable for both cosmetic and technical applications
- Relatively mild compared to some anionic surfactants
Additionally, it offers flexibility for formulators working with vegetable oils.
2. What are the drawbacks of Heliwet OC 20?
- Contains ethoxylates (may be less desirable for certain “100% natural” claims)
- Not suitable for fully anhydrous systems
- Less cost-effective for highly bulk-driven applications
For strongly “naturally positioned” products, a non-ethoxylated alternative may be preferred.
3. Is Heliwet OC 20 suitable for natural or sustainable formulations?
Cetoleth-20 is based on fatty alcohols that can be derived from plant-based sources.
However, the ethoxylation process means the product is not considered fully natural under the strictest certification systems (such as COSMOS Natural).
For brands aiming for a “naturally derived” positioning, it may still be suitable depending on the source of the fatty alcohol and certification requirements.
4. What is the difference between Cetoleth-20 and other fatty alcohol ethoxylates?
The main differences lie in:
- The chain length of the fatty alcohol (C16–C18)
- The number of moles of ethylene oxide (20)
- The resulting HLB value
A lower EO number makes a surfactant more lipophilic; a higher EO number makes it more hydrophilic.
Cetoleth-20 is on the hydrophilic side and is therefore particularly suitable for oil-in-water systems.
Chempri: your partner in Heliwet OC 20
Chempri specializes in oleochemicals and derivatives and supplies Heliwet OC 20 from Europe, with a focus on:
- Reliable supply
- Consistent quality
- Technical support
- Flexible batch sizes
At Chempri, we specialize in the production and supply of high-quality oleochemicals and their derivatives, including Heliwet OC 20. Our products are manufactured in modern production facilities and can be tailored to meet the specific needs of our customers.
We support customers with:
- Product selection
- Comparison with alternative emulsifiers
- Documentation and specifications
- Samples and testing support
Do you have questions or would you like to place an order directly? Contact our sales team.
