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C20-40 Pareth-40
AKA “C20-40 Pareth-40, Pareth-40”
Surfactant
Ingredient Facts
C20-40 pareth-40
Surfactant · Cleansing · EWG: 4
Synthetic
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Not Clean
Alcohols, C20-40, ethoxylated (40 mol EO average molar ratio)
CAS #
246538-83-0
Form
Liquid
See origin →
Functions
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Emulsifying
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Removes Impurities
Cleansing Surfactant
Emulsifier
Mixes Oil & Water
Traditional Use
A highly hydrophilic synthetic surfactant developed for cosmetics. Used as an emulsifier and solubilizer in water-based formulations.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Regulatory Status
USA✔ permitted
EU⚠ restricted
JAPAN⚠ restricted
CANADA⚠ restricted
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR