murphyCeteth-15
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: 9004-95-9, Cetocire, CETOMACROGOL, Romopal O, Collone AC, Lubrol W, Nikkol BC, Ethosperse CL20, Lipocol C2, Ceteth 2
Synthetic
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Not Clean
OriginDerived from coconut or palm oil fatty alcohols, ceteth-15 belongs to the polyethylene glycol ether surfactant family. Synthesized through ethoxylation, where ethylene oxide is added to cetyl alcohol to create the polyethylene glycol chain.
Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), .alpha.-hexadecyl-.omega.-hydroxy- (15 mol EO average molar ratio)
Formula
C56H114O21
Mol. Weight
1123.50
CAS #
9004-95-9
Form
Liquid
State
White solid; mp = 32-34 deg C; [Sigma-Aldrich MSDS]
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
Restricted By
Concentration Guide
Leave-onNot reported
Rinse-off2%
0%50%100%
CIR reported use · 2010 survey
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR