Ceteareth-60
AKA “Ceteareth 60, Cetyl and stearyl alcohol ethoxylate
Surfactant
Ingredient Facts
Ceteareth-60
AKA: Ceteareth 60, Cetyl and stearyl alcohol ethoxylate
Surfactant · Cleansing · EWG: 4
Plant-Derived
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Plant Oil
Not Clean
C16-18 alcohols, ethoxylated (60 mol EO average molar ratio)
Effective at 8.02%
CAS #
68439-49-6
Form
Liquid
See origin →
Functions
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Emulsifying
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Removes Impurities
Cleansing Surfactant
Emulsifier
Mixes Oil & Water
Traditional Use
A modern synthetic emulsifier developed in the mid-20th century by combining cetyl and stearyl alcohols (derived from natural fats and oils) with polyethylene glycol. Created to stabilize oil-water mixtures in cosmetics and personal care products.
Skin Types
all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Concentration Guide
0.03%
16.0%
0%22%
Effective Range
CIR reported use: 0.03-16 | 0.09-0.3
Regulatory Status
USApermitted
EUrestricted
JAPANrestricted
CANADArestricted
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR