murphyCeteareth-12
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: PEG-12 Cetearyl Ether
Plant-Derived
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Not Clean
OriginTypically derived from coconut or palm kernel oils through extraction of fatty alcohols and ethoxylation of ceteareth compounds. Produced by ethoxylation, where ethylene oxide is chemically bonded to ceteareth alcohol base materials.
C16-18 alcohols, ethoxylated (12 mol EO average molar ratio)
CAS #
68439-49-6
Form
Liquid
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
Functions
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.
Cleansing Surfactant
Emulsifier
Removes Impurities
Mixes Oil & Water
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed2 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
Concentration Guide
Leave-on0.02–2%
Rinse-off0.1–4%
0%50%100%
CIR reported use · 2010 survey
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR