The Basics On Ceteareth-20
What is Ceteareth-20?
Fatty alcohol that is used to thicken cosmetics and keep ingredients mixed together and stable.
What are other names for Ceteareth-20?
CETEARETH-20, PEG-20 CETOSTEARYL ALCOHOL, PEG-20 CETYL/STEARYL ETHER, POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL 1000 CETYL/STEARYL ETHER, and POLYOXYETHYLENE (20) CETYL/STEARYL ETHER
What is Ceteareth-20 used for?
Ceteareth-20 is the polyethylene glycol ether of Cetearyl alcohol. It acts as an emollient and emulsifier found in many skin care formulations. It’s usually formulated in combination with other alcohols and fatty acids to thicken a solution and help other ingredients dissolve in a solvent. Ceteareth-20 is a nonionic stabilizer in oil in water (O/W) emulsions. Ceteareth-20 is one of the most common emollients used in cosmetics, and you can find it in products such as hair dye, facial moisturizer, anti-aging treatment, conditioner, cleanser, sunscreen, exfoliant/scrub, depilatory cream, and acne treatment.Ceteareth-20 has been rated a low hazard ingredient in skincare products and is safe to use on our skin1. Because it is produced from PEG, there are sometimes contamination concerns about its use.
How Ceteareth-20 is classified
Texture Enhancer
Recommendations for using Ceteareth-20 during pregnancy and breastfeeding
Limited data suggests no known risk
Ceteareth-20 During Pregnancy
What we know about using Ceteareth-20 while pregnant or breastfeeding
Limited information available.
Published reproductive and developmental toxicity studies were not found.
General safety info about Ceteareth-20 from CIR
No report found.
Use this, not that!
Products where you might find Ceteareth-20
N/A
List of References
General sources: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/
1. Ceteareth-20. EWG’s Skin Deep Cosmetic Database. https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/701225/CETEARETH-20/. Published 2018. Accessed October 2018.
Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions.
