Ceteth-2

Benefits
Softening

What is Ceteth-2?

Ceteth-2 is a non-ionic surfactant chemically known as PEG-2 cetyl ether, formed by ethoxylating cetyl alcohol—a saturated fatty alcohol sourced from plant oils like coconut or palm—with two ethylene oxide units. This imparts balanced hydrophilic and lipophilic traits, allowing it to interact effectively with both water and oils in formulations. Primarily used in skincare products such as lotions, creams, shampoos, and body washes, Ceteth-2 functions by reducing surface tension to promote foaming and dispersion of dirt during cleansing. In emulsions, it stabilizes the blend of immiscible phases by creating a thin film at their boundary, preventing separation and delivering uniform texture and spreadability. Its gentle profile supports everyday use in personal care items focused on mild performance and sensory appeal.

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

Promotes skin softening for a smoother feel.

Facilitates gentle cleansing through surface tension reduction.

Stabilizes oil-water mixtures for reliable product texture.

Who It's For

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

Who May Benefit Who Should Avoid
Individuals using lotions and creams for hydration.
Those sensitive to ethoxylated compounds.
People seeking non-comedogenic cleansing options.
People with fatty alcohol allergies.
Users of shampoos and washes preferring mild surfactants.
Individuals avoiding synthetic emulsifiers.

Safety Notes

  • Assessed as low hazard in cosmetic safety reviews.
  • Minimal irritation potential in typical formulations.

Frequently Asked Questions about Ceteth-2

What role does Ceteth-2 play in products?

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

Is Ceteth-2 suitable for sensitive skin?

Its low irritation profile makes it generally suitable, though patch testing is advisable for sensitivities.

Does Ceteth-2 contribute to acne?

With a comedogenic rating of 0, it poses minimal risk of pore clogging.