Ceteareth-80
AKA “Ceteareth 80, Cetyl and stearyl alcohol ethoxylate
Surfactant
Ingredient Facts
Ceteareth-80
AKA: Ceteareth 80, Cetyl and stearyl alcohol ethoxylate
Surfactant · Cleansing · EWG: 4
Plant-Derived
Cleanser
Plant Oil
Not Clean
C16-18 alcohols, ethoxylated (80 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.
Removes Impurities
Cleansing Surfactant
Traditional Use
A synthetic emulsifier developed from natural alcohol precursors and polyethylene glycol in the mid-20th century. Formulated to create stable oil-in-water emulsions in skincare and cosmetic 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