Isoceteth-15
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: Isocetyl alcohol ethoxylate, PEG-15 isocetyl ether
Synthetic
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Not Clean
Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), .alpha.-isohexadecyl-.omega.-hydroxy- (15 mol EO average molar ratio)
Effective at 10.5%
CAS #
9002-92-0; 68439-50-9; 5274-68-0; 9004-95-9; 9005-00-9; 4536-30-5; 3055-93-4; 3055-94-5; 3055-95-6
Form
Liquid
Functions
Emulsifying
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Emulsifier
Mixes Oil & Water
Traditional Use
Synthetic ethoxylated surfactant created for cosmetics in the late 20th century. Functions as an emulsifier and solubilizer to improve product stability and sensory feel in skincare formulations.
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Concentration Guide
0.0002%
21.0%
0%29%
Reported use
CIR reported use: 0.0002-21 | 0.0002-8 | 0.2-3 | 0.2-4
Regulatory Agencies
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
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.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR