1. Pharmaceuticals

• Emulsification: Polyoxyl 20 cetostearyl ether is highly effective at forming stable emulsions, especially oil-in-water (o/w) emulsions, by reducing the interfacial tension between oil and water phases. 
• Stabilization: It acts as a protective colloid, stabilizing dispersed systems and preventing separation of emulsion components, ensuring a uniform product.
• Excipient: Polyoxyl 20 cetostearyl ether is classified as a pharmaceutical excipient, an inactive ingredient that enhances the properties of the drug product, including its stability, solubility, and delivery.

2. Personal Care

• Emulsifier: Ceteareth-20 is a key ingredient in creating stable emulsions, which are mixtures of oil and water that would normally separate. It works by reducing the surface tension between these two phases, allowing them to mix and remain blended.
• Surfactant: As a surfactant, Ceteareth-20 helps to cleanse the skin by reducing the surface tension of water, allowing it to mix with and lift away dirt and oil. It also helps to disperse other ingredients evenly throughout the product.

3. Cleaning & Disinfectants

• Emulsifier: Ceteareth-20 is a key ingredient in formulations containing both water and oil, like some cleaning solutions. It helps to create stable emulsions by reducing the surface tension between these two phases, preventing them from separating. 
• Surfactant: As a surfactant, Ceteareth-20 can lower the surface tension between a liquid and a solid, or between two liquids. This property is crucial for effective cleaning, as it allows the cleaning solution to spread easily and penetrate surfaces, helping to lift and remove dirt and stains.