Glycereth-20 is an ethoxylated glycerol-derived cosmetic ingredient used primarily for its humectant and viscosity-controlling properties. It belongs to the Glycereth family of glycerin ethoxylates and contains an average of approximately 20 ethylene oxide units associated with the glycerin-derived structure.
The high hydrophilic character of Glycereth-20 makes it suitable for water-containing cosmetic and personal-care formulations. It can contribute to moisture retention, skin conditioning and formulation texture, making it useful in skincare, haircare and other personal-care products.
Glycereth-20 should be understood as an ethoxylated material with an average degree of ethoxylation rather than a single molecular species containing exactly 20 ethylene oxide units in every molecule. Consequently, commercial-grade molecular weight, viscosity and related technical parameters can vary according to the manufacturing specification.
Glycereth-20 is the polyethylene glycol ether of glycerin with an average ethoxylation value of 20. The “20” indicates the average number of ethylene oxide units associated with the glycerin-derived material.
Its multiple ether and hydroxyl functionalities provide strong affinity for water. This makes Glycereth-20 suitable for cosmetic formulations where humectancy and formulation viscosity control are desired.
The commonly referenced CAS number for Glycereth-20 is 31694-55-0. This CAS number is also used generically across several Glycereth materials, so the exact INCI designation and commercial-grade documentation should be used to identify the supplied material.
Glycereth-20 should not be confused with Glycereth-20 Stearate, Glycereth-20 Cocoate or other esterified Glycereth derivatives. These are different cosmetic ingredients with different functions and compositions.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Glycereth-20 |
| INCI Name | Glycereth-20 |
| Chemical Family | Glycerin ethoxylates |
| Chemical Type | Polyethylene glycol ether of glycerin |
| CAS Number | 31694-55-0 |
| Average Ethoxylation | Approximately 20 ethylene oxide units |
| Physical State | Liquid; grade-dependent |
| Appearance | Typically clear to slightly colored viscous liquid; grade-dependent |
| Water Compatibility | Highly hydrophilic / water-compatible |
| Primary Cosmetic Function | Humectant |
| Additional Function | Viscosity controlling |
| Molecular Weight | Distribution-dependent |
| Molecular Formula | Distribution-dependent |
| Commercial Grade | Grade-specific |
Glycereth-20 functions as a humectant, supporting moisture retention in cosmetic formulations. Its hydrophilic structure allows it to interact strongly with water.
Glycereth-20 is recognized for its viscosity-controlling function. It can contribute to the consistency and flow characteristics of a formulation depending on concentration and the surrounding ingredient system.
Glycereth-20 can contribute to the conditioning characteristics of cosmetic formulations and is used in products designed to provide a smooth and moisturized skin feel.
Its water-compatible nature makes Glycereth-20 suitable for hydration-focused skincare and personal-care products.
Glycereth-20 can support formulation development where a hydrophilic glycerin-derived ingredient is required for moisture management and viscosity modification.
Glycereth-20 may be considered for:
Cosmetic ingredient references report Glycereth-20 in skincare and haircare products and identify humectant and viscosity-controlling functions.
The “20” represents an average ethoxylation level. It should not be interpreted as every molecule containing exactly 20 ethylene oxide units.
Glycereth-20 has a highly hydrophilic character and is suitable for many water-containing formulation systems.
Commercial viscosity can vary depending on molecular distribution, concentration and temperature. Exact viscosity should be obtained from the current COA/TDS.
The appropriate use level should be determined through formulation development, compatibility testing and sensory evaluation.
The pH of the final cosmetic formulation should be evaluated based on the complete formulation system.
Compatibility with surfactants, polymers, electrolytes, preservatives, fragrances, botanical ingredients and other cosmetic materials should be assessed during formulation development.
For ethoxylated ingredients, applicable specifications should address relevant residual substances such as ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane according to the commercial grade and regulatory requirements.
Glycereth-20 should not be considered a complete preservation system. The finished formulation should use an appropriate preservation strategy where required.
Store in a tightly closed container under the storage conditions recommended for the applicable commercial grade.
Swapnroop supplies cosmetic ingredients for manufacturers and formulation companies developing skincare, haircare, body-care and personal-care products.
Glycereth-20 can be considered where an ethoxylated glycerol-derived ingredient is required for humectant and viscosity-controlling applications.
For commercial procurement, buyers should verify the applicable grade, INCI designation, CAS identity, specification, packaging, batch COA and technical documentation before use.
Glycereth-20 is a glycerin ethoxylate used in cosmetic formulations primarily as a humectant and viscosity-controlling ingredient.
The commonly referenced CAS number is 31694-55-0.
The INCI name is Glycereth-20.
The number 20 represents an average ethoxylation value of approximately 20 ethylene oxide units.
Glycereth-20 is used primarily as a humectant and viscosity-controlling ingredient in cosmetic and personal-care formulations.
Yes. Humectant is one of the recognized cosmetic functions of Glycereth-20.
Yes. It can be considered for moisturizers, creams, lotions, serums and other hydration-focused skincare formulations.
Yes. It can be evaluated in hair-care and conditioning formulations where humectant and formulation-support properties are desired.
No. Glycereth-20 Stearate is an esterified derivative and is a different cosmetic ingredient.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Colourless to light-yellow liquid or oily liquid |