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Ceteareth-23

What Ceteareth-23 is & what it does

Ceteareth-23 is a polyethylene glycol ether of cetearyl alcohol, made by ethoxylating fatty alcohols. It functions mainly as a nonionic emulsifier and surfactant, helping oil and water phases blend into stable creams and lotions, and it can also act as a solubilizer. It is widely used across emulsions, including sunscreen bases, for a smooth uniform texture. It is not a UV filter itself and carries no concerns flagged here.

What is Ceteareth-23?

Ceteareth-23 is a PEG ether of cetearyl alcohol used as a nonionic emulsifier and surfactant. It helps oil and water blend into stable creams and lotions.

What does Ceteareth-23 do in sunscreen?

In a sunscreen it works as an emulsifier and solubilizer, keeping the oil and water phases combined for a smooth, uniform texture. It is not a UV filter itself.

Is Ceteareth-23 safe?

It is widely used and generally considered safe in rinse-off and leave-on products at typical levels, with no concerns flagged here. People with very sensitive skin occasionally prefer to limit ethoxylated ingredients.

Sunscreens with Ceteareth-23

We rate 5 sunscreens that contain it:

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