C20-40 Pareth-10

What is C20-40 Pareth-10?

C20-40 Pareth-10 belongs to the pareth class of non-ionic surfactants, consisting of polyethylene glycol ethers derived from a blend of synthetic fatty alcohols with carbon chain lengths ranging from 20 to 40, ethoxylated with approximately 10 units of ethylene oxide. This amphiphilic molecule features a hydrophobic alkyl tail and a hydrophilic polyether head. Primarily incorporated into rinse-off products such as shampoos, shower gels, and facial cleansers, as well as leave-on emulsions like moisturizers and sunscreens, it performs by reducing surface tension between oil and water phases. The hydrophobic portion binds to sebum and residues, while the hydrophilic segment attracts water, enabling dirt dispersion, foam generation, and stable emulsion formation for uniform product consistency and improved spreadability.

Comedogenic Rating 0/5 Low risk of clogging pores
EWG Safety Rating 1 View on EWG →

Roles in Formulation

This ingredient serves the following purposes in cosmetic formulations:

Surfactant
Lowers surface tension to enable cleansing, emulsifying, and foaming; central to shampoos, body washes, and many emulsions and micellar systems.
Emulsifying agent
Enables stable mixing of oil and water phases by forming an interfacial film, helping create lotions, creams, and cleansers with consistent texture.

Benefits

Supports gentle cleansing by lifting oils and impurities from skin.

Promotes stable blending of oil and water in creams and lotions for smooth application.

Contributes to foaming action in washes without compromising mildness.

Who It's For

A quick guide for who this ingredient may suit (and who should be cautious).

Who May Benefit Who Should Avoid
Users seeking effective yet gentle cleansing in daily routines.
Those with rare sensitivities to ethoxylated surfactants.
Individuals formulating or using emulsified moisturizers for hydration.
Individuals experiencing irritation from similar non-ionic emulsifiers.
People with low-comedogenic product preferences for clearer skin.
People preferring strictly natural or mineral-derived ingredients.

Safety Notes

  • Recognized as safe for cosmetic use by regulatory reviews.
  • Exhibits low comedogenic potential, suitable for acne-prone formulations.

Frequently Asked Questions about C20-40 Pareth-10

What does C20-40 Pareth-10 do in products?

It acts as a surfactant to cleanse and an emulsifier to mix oil and water phases stably.

Is C20-40 Pareth-10 safe for daily use?

Yes, it's considered low hazard and suitable for cosmetics in typical amounts.

Does it cause breakouts?

No, it has a comedogenic rating of zero, making it unlikely to clog pores.