Ceteth-5

What is Ceteth-5?

Ceteth-5 is a synthetic ingredient, chemically a polyethoxylated cetyl alcohol with five ethylene oxide units attached, creating a hydrophilic head and hydrophobic tail. This structure makes it a non-ionic surfactant commonly found in rinse-off cleansers, shampoos, body washes, and leave-on lotions or creams. In formulations, it reduces surface tension between oil and water, promoting foaming for effective dirt and oil removal during cleansing. As an emulsifier, it forms a protective film at the oil-water interface, preventing separation and ensuring smooth, consistent product textures that spread evenly on skin. Its mild nature suits a range of personal care products without disrupting skin barrier function.

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 gentle cleansing by lowering surface tension to remove impurities effectively.

Stabilizes emulsions in lotions and creams for smooth, consistent application.

Low comedogenic potential helps maintain clear pores in formulations.

Who It's For

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

Who May Benefit Who Should Avoid
People using daily cleansers or shampoos for routine hygiene.
Those with known sensitivity to polyethylene glycol derivatives.
Individuals with normal to oily skin preferring non-pore-clogging formulas.
People preferring completely natural or PEG-free skincare routines.
Users of emulsified products like moisturizers seeking stable textures.
Individuals experiencing irritation from similar ethoxylated surfactants.

Safety Notes

  • Rated low concern overall by environmental working group assessments.
  • Deemed safe for cosmetic use by expert review panels at typical concentrations.

Frequently Asked Questions about Ceteth-5

What does Ceteth-5 do in skincare?

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

Is Ceteth-5 comedogenic?

It has a comedogenic rating of 0, indicating low likelihood of pore clogging.

How safe is Ceteth-5 for skin?

Low hazard ratings from assessments confirm safety in cosmetic products at standard levels.