Is Steareth-20 Natural?

Q: Is Steareth-20 natural?

Steareth-20 has a Natural Origin Index (NOI) of 0.00 (scale 0–1) per ISO 16128. Steareth-20 is produced via the ethoxylation of stearyl alcohol, which is predominantly derived from petroleum feedstocks, resulting in a Natural Origin Index (NOI) of 0.0. An NOI of 0.00 means 0% of its molecular mass is traceable to a natural, renewable source.

Learn about Steareth-20 — its natural origin index (ISO 16128), feedstock sources, synthesis process, and renewability classification.

0.0

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Natural Origin Index

INCI NameSteareth-20

FunctionEmulsifier · Surfactant

FeedstockThe primary feedstock for Steareth-20

Quick Facts

INCI NameSteareth-20
FunctionsEmulsifierSurfactantSolubilizer
Primary FeedstockThe primary feedstock for Steareth-20 is stearyl alcohol. Commercially, stearyl alcohol is predominantly derived from petrochemical sources, specifically through the oligomerization of ethylene followed by oxidation and reduction processes. While stearyl alcohol can also be sourced from natural fats and oils (like palm kernel or coconut oil), the petrochemical route is dominant for the majority of cosmetic-grade stearyl alcohol production.
NOI Score0.0 / 1.0
Tier100% Petroleum

Description

Learn about Steareth-20 — its natural origin index (ISO 16128), feedstock sources, synthesis process, and renewability classification.

References

1ISO 16128-2:2017 — Guidelines on technical definitions and criteria for natural and organic cosmetic ingredients and products — Part 2. ISO, Geneva.