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Ceteth-20

What Ceteth-20 is & what it does

Ceteth-20 is a non-ionic surfactant, the polyethylene glycol ether of cetyl alcohol with about 20 ethylene oxide units. In creams, lotions, and sunscreens it is commonly used as an emulsifier and solubilizer that keeps oil and water phases blended into a stable, smooth product. It also helps disperse oils and fragrance into water-based formulas.

What does Ceteth-20 do in skincare?

Ceteth-20 is a non-ionic surfactant used as an emulsifier and solubilizer. In creams, lotions, and sunscreens it helps keep oil and water phases blended into a stable, smooth product, and it can help disperse oils or fragrance into water-based formulas. It is a formulation aid rather than a skin active.

Is Ceteth-20 safe?

Ceteth-20 is an ethoxylated emulsifier that is widely used in cosmetics and is generally considered safe at typical use levels. Surfactants of this type are common in everyday skincare. As with any new product, patch testing is reasonable if your skin is easily irritated.

Is Ceteth-20 natural or synthetic?

Ceteth-20 is best described as derived but processed. It is the polyethylene glycol ether of cetyl alcohol, so it starts from a fatty alcohol that can be plant-derived but is then modified through ethoxylation. This makes it a processed ingredient rather than a simple natural extract.

Sunscreens with Ceteth-20

We rate 92 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:

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