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Ceteth-2

What Ceteth-2 is & what it does

Ceteth-2 is a nonionic surfactant and emulsifier made by reacting cetyl alcohol with a small amount of ethylene oxide. In creams and sunscreens it helps combine oil and water phases and stabilize emulsions, and it can also improve the spreadability of a product. The number 2 indicates a low degree of ethoxylation, which makes it a relatively oil-loving member of the ceteth family.

Is Ceteth-2 safe in skincare?

Ceteth-2 is a nonionic emulsifier used in cosmetics and is generally considered safe for topical use at the levels found in skincare and sunscreen products. It is used to help blend oil and water and is mild for most people. Those with very sensitive skin may prefer to patch test a new product first.

Does Ceteth-2 clog pores?

Ceteth-2 is used as an emulsifier rather than as an oil, and it is not widely considered a strongly pore-clogging ingredient on its own. Whether a product breaks you out depends mostly on the complete formula. If you are acne-prone, judging the finished product as a whole is more useful than focusing on this single ingredient.

Is Ceteth-2 natural or synthetic?

Ceteth-2 is a synthetic ingredient, made by reacting cetyl alcohol with ethylene oxide. While cetyl alcohol can be plant-derived, the final ethoxylated molecule is manufactured. It is classed as a processed, synthetic emulsifier.

Sunscreens with Ceteth-2

We rate 15 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:

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