Snapshot
- Overview
- Helps blend oils into water for a lighter, cleaner-feeling product.
- Category
- Emulsifying, Cleansing
- Type
- Emulsifier
Ceteth-20
Ceteth-20 is a water-soluble, nonionic surfactant made by ethoxylating cetyl alcohol to an average of 20 EO units. It's used to emulsify oils into water, dissolve fragrance and some actives, and give a lighter skin feel with clean rinse-off.
Like this ingredient?
Our take
Is Ceteth-20 a Good Ingredient?
Dependable PEG-based nonionic emulsifier/solubilizer with broad compatibility and pleasant aesthetics. A small subset may experience mild irritation, and quality manufacturing is needed to limit residual processing impurities. That mix of usefulness and tolerability lands it a Good rating rather than Great.
What it does
Skin Benefits
Improves product lightness and spread, reducing filmy residue after use. Keeps fragrance and certain additives uniformly dispersed for consistent performance.
Where you'll find it
Uses in Skincare & Cosmetics
Found in facial cleansers, micellar waters, and makeup removers for a fresh, easy rinse. Also used in lightweight lotions and gel-cream moisturizers.
Before you use it
Safety
Typically low to moderate irritation risk, higher in leave-on uses or near eyes. Ethoxylated materials can contain trace residues, usually minimized by reputable suppliers. Patch testing is advisable for very sensitive skin.
Products with Ceteth-20
