Ceteareth-16

Ceteareth-16 molecular structure
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: PEG-16 Cetearyl Ether
Plant-Derived
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Not Clean
OriginDerived from coconut or palm oils, which are then hydrogenated to create cetearyl alcohol. Cetearyl alcohol is subsequently ethoxylated with sixteen units of ethylene oxide to form Ceteareth-16.
C16-18 alcohols, ethoxylated (16 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-reviewednone on file
⚖️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
CIR's newest survey reports no concentration of use.
CIR · 2010 survey
Regulatory Status
USA✔ permitted
EU⚠ restricted
JAPAN⚠ restricted
CANADA⚠ restricted
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR