Ceteareth-60

What is Ceteareth-60?

Ceteareth-60 is a non-ionic surfactant produced by ethoxylating cetyl alcohol with 60 units of ethylene oxide, resulting in a molecule with a lipophilic alkyl chain and a hydrophilic polyether segment. This structure enables it to bridge oil and water phases effectively. Primarily used in rinse-off and leave-on cosmetics like moisturizers, shampoos, conditioners, and body washes, it lowers interfacial tension to form stable emulsions and micelles. As an emulsifier, it prevents separation in creams and lotions for uniform texture. In cleansing products, it facilitates dirt and oil removal during rinsing. Its high ethoxylation degree enhances water solubility and mildness, making it suitable for solubilizing oils, fragrances, and other hydrophobic components in formulations.

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.
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.

Benefits

Stabilizes oil-in-water emulsions for consistent product texture.

Enables effective yet mild removal of dirt and excess oils.

Improves solubility of ingredients like fragrances in water-based 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 of lotions and creams needing stable, non-separating textures.
Those with rare allergies to polyethylene glycol derivatives.
People seeking gentle surfactants in shampoos and body washes.
People preferring formulations without ethoxylated compounds.
Individuals with non-comedogenic needs in daily cleansing routines.
Individuals sensitive to surfactants in high concentrations.

Safety Notes

  • Assessed as low hazard potential in cosmetic use by safety reviews.
  • Non-comedogenic with minimal pore-clogging risk.

Frequently Asked Questions about Ceteareth-60

What does Ceteareth-60 do in products?

It acts as an emulsifier to blend oils and water, and as a surfactant for gentle cleansing.

Is Ceteareth-60 safe for daily use?

Safety panels consider it suitable in cosmetics at typical levels.

Does it clog pores?

It has a comedogenic rating of 0, indicating low risk.