Description

Cream-Base CA20

Cream-Base CA20 is a proprietary cetomacrogol emulsifier wax blend for oil-in-water formulations. When cetomacrogol (ceteareth-20) is combined with cetostearyl alcohol, the two function synergistically as an oil-in-water (O/W) emulsifying system and emollient base in creams and lotions.  It forms highly stable emulsions with excellent appearance and feel, compatible with a wide range of ingredients and pH.

Composition and Function of Cream-Base CA20

Cetomacrogol: A nonionic surfactant and emulsifier, typically with 20 ethylene oxide units (e.g., cetomacrogol 1000). It stabilises O/W emulsions by reducing interfacial tension between oil and water phases.

Cetostearyl alcohol: A mixture of cetyl (C16) and stearyl (C18) fatty alcohols. It provides structure, viscosity, and secondary emulsifying capacity via lamellar gel network formation.

Mechanism of Action

The hydrophilic polyoxyethylene portion of cetomacrogol aligns in the aqueous phase, while its lipophilic cetostearyl chain associates with the oil phase and fatty alcohols.

Cetostearyl alcohol enhances the lamellar phase and increases the mechanical strength of the emulsion film.

This cetomacrogol wax base forms liquid crystalline structures, which trap water and oil, improving emulsion stability and skin feel.

Applications

Used in moisturising creams, ointment bases, and pharmaceutical emulsions where a stable, nonionic O/W base is required (e.g., aqueous cream BP or cetomacrogol cream BP).

Provides a non-greasy, smooth texture suitable for sensitive or medicated formulations.

Advantages

Nonionic → compatible with most actives, electrolytes, and preservatives.

Forms stable emulsions over a broad pH range (typically 4.5–8).

Enhances occlusivity and reduces trans epidermal water loss.

Limitation

• Sensitive to higher electrolyte concentrations or high levels of cationic surfactants (can destabilize).

• May cause mild whitening on rub-in due to lamellar structure reflection.