Undeceth-40 is a chemical compound, 11 carbon chains alkyl polyethylene glycol (PEG (Polyethylene glycol)) ether of ethoxylated undecyl alcohol (40 mol).

The name describes the structure of the molecule:

• Undec refers to the undecyl carbon chain, which has 11 carbon atoms.
• -eth indicates that the molecule is an ether, meaning it contains an oxygen group bonded to two alkyl or aryl residues.
• -40 represents the molecular weight.

Function: Undeceths are often used in cosmetics and personal care products as emulsifiers or surfactants. They help stabilize formulations and improve the distribution of products on the skin or hair.

Raw Materials Used in Production.

Undeceth-40 is an ethoxylated derivative of undecylenic acid, which in turn is derived from castor oil.

Step-by-step Summary of Industrial Production Process.

• Extraction: Castor oil, obtained from the seeds of the Ricinus communis plant, is extracted.
• Conversion: Undecylenic acid is produced by cracking castor oil at high temperatures.
• Ethoxylation: The undecylenic acid is then subjected to an ethoxylation process, where it is treated with ethylene oxide to produce Undeceth-40.
• Purification: Undeceth-40 is purified to remove any impurities through processes like distillation.

Form and Color. 

Undeceth-40 is typically a viscous liquid that can range from colorless to slightly yellow.

What it is used for and where

Cosmetics

Surfactant - Cleansing agent. Cosmetic products used to cleanse the skin utilise the surface-active action that produces a lowering of the surface tension of the stratum corneum, facilitating the removal of dirt and impurities.

Surfactant - Emulsifying agent. Emulsions are thermodynamically unstable. Emulsifiers have the property to reduce the oil/water or water/oil interfacial tension, improve emulsion stability and also directly influence the stability, sensory properties and surface tension of sunscreens by modulating their filmometric performance.

CAS: 34398-01-1, 127036-24-2

Safety

The term 'eth' in Undeceth-40 refers to the ethoxylation reaction with ethylene oxide after which residues of ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane, chemical compounds considered carcinogenic, may remain. The degree of safety therefore depends on the degree of purity of the compound obtained. At present, no manufacturer is known to provide this information on the label.

Commercial Applications:

Cosmetic Industry. Undeceth-40 is commonly used as an emollient or conditioning agent in skin and hair care products. It can help make the skin feel soft and smooth, or condition the hair making it easier to comb and soft to the touch.

Skin and Hair Products. It can be found in creams, lotions, shampoos, conditioners, and other skin and hair care products.