Ceteareth-15

What is Ceteareth-15?

Ceteareth-15 is a synthetic non-ionic surfactant, chemically known as polyoxyethylene (15) cetyl ether. It forms through ethoxylation, where cetyl alcohol from plant-derived fats like coconut or palm reacts with 15 units of ethylene oxide, yielding a molecule with balanced water-attracting and oil-attracting segments. This structure suits it for rinse-off and leave-on cosmetics such as lotions, creams, shampoos, and facial cleansers. In formulations, it reduces surface tension to mix immiscible oil and water phases into homogeneous emulsions, preventing separation and ensuring smooth application. As a surfactant, it facilitates dirt and oil removal during cleansing while maintaining mildness, supporting product stability and sensory appeal in daily routines.

Comedogenic Rating 0/5 Low risk of clogging pores
EWG Safety Rating 1-3 View on EWG →

Roles in Formulation

This ingredient serves the following purposes in cosmetic formulations:

Surfactant
Lowers surface tension to enable cleansing, emulsifying, and foaming; central to shampoos, body washes, and many emulsions and micellar systems.
Emulsifying agent
Enables stable mixing of oil and water phases by forming an interfacial film, helping create lotions, creams, and cleansers with consistent texture.

Benefits

Supports stable oil-in-water emulsions for consistent lotion and cream textures.

Enables gentle foaming and cleansing in shampoos and washes.

Improves spreadability and feel of emulsified skincare products.

Who It's For

A quick guide for who this ingredient may suit (and who should be cautious).

Who May Benefit Who Should Avoid
Users of creamy moisturizers needing reliable blend stability.
Those sensitive to ethoxylated compounds.
Individuals preferring mild surfactants in daily cleansers.
Preferers of fully natural, non-synthetic ingredients.
People with normal skin seeking smooth-textured emulsions.
Individuals wary of manufacturing impurities in surfactants.

Safety Notes

  • Assessed as low to moderate hazard with minimal irritation in cosmetic use.
  • Deemed safe by expert reviews for typical concentrations in products.

Frequently Asked Questions about Ceteareth-15

What does Ceteareth-15 do in products?

It emulsifies oil and water for stable creams and provides mild surfactant action for cleansing.

Is Ceteareth-15 irritating?

It has low irritation potential as a non-ionic surfactant in cosmetics.

Where is Ceteareth-15 commonly used?

In lotions, shampoos, conditioners, and emulsified cleansers for texture and stability.