Steareth-10

Steareth-10 is an ethoxylated stearyl alcohol with ten moles of ethylene oxide, a soft solid with a mild, characteristic odor (virtually odorless). It is a nonionic surfactant with diverse emulsifying characteristics and an HLB value of 12.4, allowing it to confer unique bodying, spreading, and stabilizing properties to emulsions.

Thanks to ether linkage in its structure, Steareth-10 exhibits excellent stability and virtually eliminates any tendency to hydrolyze. It is remarkably tolerant of strong acids and alkalis and can handle higher levels of electrolytes than ester-type surfactants.

Due to a relatively higher degree of ethoxylation, Steareth-10 is more hydrophilic. It is soluble in water and insoluble in mineral oil and other non-polar solvents.

Steareth-10 is stable over a wide pH range, giving it versatility for use in various oil-in-water systems. It is compatible with other nonionic surfactants, as well as with most anionic, cationic, and ester surfactants, and is fully biodegradable.