murphyCeteareth-50
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: Ceteareth 50, Cetyl and stearyl alcohol ethoxylate
Plant-Derived
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Clean
OriginDerived from coconut or palm kernel oils, which are common sources of fatty alcohols and their derivatives. Produced through ethoxylation of cetearyl alcohol, adding polyethylene glycol chains to create a non-ionic surfactant.
C16-18 alcohols, ethoxylated (50 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.
Removes Impurities
Cleansing Surfactant
Emulsifier
Mixes Oil & Water
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewednone on file
⚖️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-on4%
Rinse-off3–6%
0%50%100%
CIR reported use · 2010 survey
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR