Hydroxyethyl urea (HEU, CAS 1320-51-0) is a straightforward raw material, but buying it well means checking the grade, the purity, the COA and the supplier’s cosmetic credentials. This purchasing guide covers the specification sheet, packaging, storage and the supplier checklist for HEU.
1. Reading the Specification
| Parameter | Typical value | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Purity | High (e.g. >98%) | Consistency and performance |
| Appearance | White crystalline solid / clear solution | Visual QC |
| pH (solution) | Mild (near neutral) | Skin compatibility |
| Water content | Low (solid form) | Storage stability |
| Heavy metals | Low (cosmetic grade) | Safety for leave-on products |
2. What a Complete COA Should Contain
- Product name and CAS number (1320-51-0)
- Batch number and production date
- Purity (measured)
- pH and water content
- Heavy metals (cosmetic grade)
- Appearance
- Test methods and quality manager signature
3. Packaging, Storage and Shelf Life
- Packaging: typically 25 kg bags/drums (solid) or drums (solution); confirm what suits your handling.
- Storage: dry, sealed, cool; the solid absorbs moisture.
- Shelf life: typically 24 months when stored properly.
- Handling: low hazard; avoid dust inhalation, follow the SDS.
4. Cosmetic-Grade Requirements
- Verify the product meets cosmetic raw-material standards (purity, heavy metals, residual amine/urea).
- Request the COA showing measured values per batch, not just a one-time certificate.
- Confirm the INCI name (hydroxyethyl urea) matches your formulation documentation.
5. How to Verify Quality on Arrival
- Check packaging and labels against the COA batch number.
- Visual check: white solid/clear solution, no discoloration or odor.
- Verify pH and purity with simple lab methods against the COA.
- Run a small formulation trial (e.g. moisturizer base) against your current batch.
- Keep a retained sample per batch.
6. Supplier Checklist
- Manufacturer vs trader — manufacturers control purity and consistency.
- Consistent COA with measured purity/heavy metals on every batch.
- Cosmetic-grade certification and documentation.
- Stable supply and reasonable lead time.
- Price comparison on a per-kg basis at the same grade.
7. FAQ
What purity of HEU should I buy?
For cosmetic use, high purity (typically 98%+) with low heavy metals; confirm on the COA.
Is HEU supplied as solid or solution?
Both — solid (crystalline) is economical for shipping; solution grades are convenient for direct dosing.
Does HEU have a shelf life issue?
It is stable when stored dry and sealed; moisture causes caking. Typical shelf life is 24 months.
Can I get a trial sample?
Yes. PolyblueChem offers trial samples for formulation validation before bulk orders.
8. References and Further Reading
- Cosmetic raw-material standards for hydroxyethyl urea
- Manufacturer SDS and COA guidance
This article is published for industrial and technical reference by PolyblueChem. Specifications are typical; verify against the supplier’s COA.
PolyblueChem supplies hydroxyethyl urea (CAS 1320-51-0) in cosmetic grade with COA and MSDS. See our HEU guide. Contact us for samples and quotations.