Rate My SPF

Ceteareth-20

What Ceteareth-20 is & what it does

An emulsifier and stabilizer that helps form smooth, stable creams and disperse oils evenly. It contributes a light, even texture.

What is Ceteareth-20?

Ceteareth-20 is a nonionic emulsifier: it blends the oil and water phases of a cream or lotion into one stable, smooth mixture. It is made by attaching about 20 units of ethylene oxide to cetearyl alcohol (a fatty alcohol), which is what makes the waxy alcohol water-dispersible.

What is Ceteareth-20's comedogenic rating?

Ceteareth-20 is generally treated as low on the comedogenicity scale and is not one of the classic pore-clogging culprits. It is an emulsifier used in small amounts, not a heavy oil or wax. As with any emulsifier, very acne-prone skin can occasionally react, but in a well-formulated sunscreen it is not a notable comedogenic flag.

Is Ceteareth-20 safe?

Yes. It is a widely used, well-tolerated emulsifier reviewed as safe in cosmetics. Like other ethoxylated ingredients it can carry trace 1,4-dioxane from manufacturing, which reputable makers purify out; that is a contaminant, not the ingredient itself.

Is Ceteareth-20 natural?

No, it is synthetic. It starts from cetearyl alcohol, which is often plant-derived, but it is then ethoxylated in the lab, a man-made step, so the finished emulsifier is not natural.

Is Ceteareth-20 safe to use during pregnancy?

Ceteareth-20 has no known pregnancy concern. It is a widely used emulsifier that works on the surface to blend oil and water, and is well tolerated.

Sunscreens with Ceteareth-20

We rate 372 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:

← All ingredients