Polyethylene glycol cetyl ether
Polyethylene glycol cetyl ether is a nonionic surfactant produced by the ethoxylation of cetyl alcohol to give a material with the general formula HOnC16H33. Several grades of this material are available depending on the level of ethoxylation performed, with repeat units of polyethylene glycol varying between 2 and 20. Commercially it can be known as Cetomacrogol 1000, Brij 58, Brij 56, and other trade names.
It is used as a solubilizer and emulsifying agent in foods, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals, often as an ointment base. It is used as an oil in water emulsifier for creams/lotions, and a wetting agent.