murphyCeteth-1
AKA: 2136-71-2, 2-Hexadecoxyethanol, Ethylene glycol monohexadecyl ether, Hexadecyl ethyleneglycol monoether, Ethanol, 1-(2-Hydroxyethoxy)hexadecane
Synthetic
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Clean
OriginDerived from cetyl alcohol and ethylene oxide, both petroleum-derived or plant-derived chemicals. Synthesized through ethoxylation, where ethylene oxide chains are added to cetyl alcohol via catalytic reaction.
The CIR Expert Panel concluded that the alkyl PEG ethers, listed below, are safe in the present practices of use and concentration described in this safety assessment when formulated to be nonirritating. This assessment is also intended to address future alkyl PEG ether cosmetic ingredients that vary from those ingredients recited herein only by the number of ethylene glycol repeat units...Ceteth-1...
Formula
C18H38O2
Mol. Weight
286.50
CAS #
2136-71-2, 904-95-9
Form
Wax
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.
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-assessed3 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
EWG
2
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
Restricted By
Concentration Guide
Leave-on0.3–2%
Rinse-off0.2–3%
0%50%100%
CIR reported use · 2010 survey
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR