Ceteareth-20

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AKA: Emulsifier
Plant-Derived
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Clean
OriginDerived from coconut or palm kernel oils, which are plant-based fatty alcohols. Produced through ethoxylation, where ethylene oxide is added to cetearyl alcohol molecules.
C16-18 alcohols, ethoxylated (20 mol EO average molar ratio)
CAS #
68439-49-6
Form
Liquid
Skin Types
●all-skin-types, gentle
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.
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.
Surfactant Cleansing
Surfactant Emulsifying
Moisturizing
Antimicrobial
Strengthens Barrier
Removes dirt and impurities
Lifts away dirt and oil
Mixes oil and water
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed3 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
EWG
2
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
Concentration Guide
Leave-on0.02–11%
Rinse-off0.008–10%
0%50%100%
CIR reported use · 2010 survey
Regulatory Status
USA✔ permitted
EU⚠ restricted
JAPAN⚠ restricted
CANADA⚠ restricted
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR