murphyCeteth-18
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-derived fatty alcohols, typically cetyl alcohol. Synthesized through ethoxylation, where ethylene oxide is added to cetyl alcohol to create the polyethylene glycol ether.
Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), .alpha.-hexadecyl-.omega.-hydroxy- (18 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-assessed1 review →
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
CIR lists it as not reported to be in use.
CIR · report published 2012
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR