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Sodium Cetearyl Sulfate

What Sodium Cetearyl Sulfate is & what it does

An emulsifier and stabilizer that helps form smooth, stable creams. It keeps the oil and water phases evenly mixed.

What does Sodium Cetearyl Sulfate do in skincare?

Sodium Cetearyl Sulfate is used as an emulsifier and surfactant that helps blend oil and water phases into a stable product. It supports a uniform texture in creams and lotions and can aid mild cleansing. It is often found in emulsion-based skincare.

Is Sodium Cetearyl Sulfate safe?

Sodium Cetearyl Sulfate is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics at typical formulation levels. It is milder than some shorter-chain sulfate surfactants because it is based on longer fatty alcohols. People with sensitive skin can patch test a new product first.

Is Sodium Cetearyl Sulfate natural or synthetic?

Sodium Cetearyl Sulfate is a synthetic ingredient, though the cetearyl alcohol it is based on can be sourced from plant oils. It is processed to deliver consistent emulsifying performance. Plant-derived versions are generally suitable for vegan formulas.

Sunscreens with Sodium Cetearyl Sulfate

We rate 79 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:

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