Ceteareth-6
What Ceteareth-6 is & what it does
Ceteareth-6 is a polyethylene-glycol ether of cetearyl alcohol, a synthetic nonionic surfactant and emulsifier. In sunscreens and creams it helps blend oil and water phases into a stable lotion and can act as a solubilizer for oily UV filters and fragrances. The number 6 refers to the average number of ethylene oxide units, which sets how oil- or water-loving the molecule is.
What does Ceteareth-6 do in skincare?
Ceteareth-6 is an emulsifier and surfactant that helps oil and water blend into a stable cream or lotion. In sunscreens it can also help dissolve oily UV filters and fragrances evenly through the formula. It is a functional ingredient that supports texture rather than an active.
Is Ceteareth-6 comedogenic or does it clog pores?
Ceteareth-6 is used at low levels as an emulsifier and is not generally singled out as a notably pore-clogging ingredient. Whether any product feels pore-clogging depends on the overall formula, not one emulsifier. If you are acne-prone, patch testing a new product is a reasonable approach.
Is Ceteareth-6 natural or synthetic?
Ceteareth-6 is a synthetic ingredient: it is made by reacting cetearyl alcohol with ethylene oxide. Although cetearyl alcohol can come from plant sources, the finished ethoxylated emulsifier is considered synthetic.
Sunscreens with Ceteareth-6
We rate 8 sunscreens that contain it:
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Sunmax Sensitive FPS 30
84/100
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Olay Anti-Wrinkle Pro Vital Day Moisturiser Spf 15
66/100
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Floresan Africa Kids SPF 45
65/100
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Olay Anti-Wrinkle Firm & Lift Spf 15 Day Cream
63/100
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Olay Complete Care 3In1 Moisturiser Day Cream Spf 15 For Normal/Dry Skin
63/100
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Amway Day Cream SPF 15
56/100
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DISAAR Refreshing Sunblock 60 SPF To 90 SPF
49/100
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Heblee SPF 90 Sunblock
49/100