Ceteareth-24

What is Ceteareth-24?

Ceteareth-24 is a polyethoxylated fatty alcohol, chemically known as polyoxyethylene (24) cetyl ether, produced by reacting cetyl alcohol—a saturated C16 fatty alcohol derived from natural sources like coconut or palm—with 24 moles of ethylene oxide. This ethoxylation process creates a hydrophilic molecule with a high HLB value around 15-16, making it ideal for oil-in-water emulsions. In cosmetics, it functions primarily as an emulsifier by reducing interfacial tension between oil and water phases, stabilizing lotions, creams, and serums. As a surfactant, it lowers surface tension to enable gentle cleansing in shampoos and body washes. It also solubilizes hydrophobic ingredients like fragrances and oils into aqueous formulas, supporting clear toners and sprays. Its versatile properties make it common in daily-use rinse-off and leave-on products across haircare, skincare, and color cosmetics.

Comedogenic Rating 0/5 Low risk of clogging pores

EWG Safety Rating 1-7 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.

Cleansing agent

Removes dirt, oil, and impurities by lowering surface tension and forming micelles, enabling soils to be lifted and rinsed away from skin, hair, or teeth.

Solubilizing agent

Helps incorporate oils and fragrance into water-based formulas by forming micro-solutions, enabling clear sprays, toners, and micellar products.

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 cream and lotion textures by blending oil and water effectively.

Enables thorough yet gentle cleansing by lifting dirt and oils.

Allows incorporation of fragrances and oils into water-based products for clear formulas.

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 seeking smooth, non-separating emulsion-based moisturizers.	Those with known sensitivity to ethoxylated ingredients.
Individuals preferring mild cleansers in shampoos or body washes.	Individuals prone to contact dermatitis from surfactants.
People wanting fragrance-infused toners or sprays without cloudiness.	Users preferring completely natural or preservative-free formulations.

Safety Notes

Rated low comedogenic potential, suitable for acne-prone skin.
Reviewed as safe in cosmetics by expert panels when used within typical concentrations.

Frequently Asked Questions about Ceteareth-24

What is Ceteareth-24 used for in skincare?

It acts as an emulsifier, cleanser, and solubilizer in creams, lotions, shampoos, and toners to stabilize formulas and aid ingredient blending.

Is Ceteareth-24 safe for daily use?

Cosmetic safety reviews deem it safe at standard levels, with low comedogenic risk, though patch testing is advised for sensitivities.

Does Ceteareth-24 clog pores?

It carries a comedogenic rating of 0, indicating minimal pore-clogging potential based on available data.