Ceteareth-9
AKA “Cetearyl Ethoxylate 9, Cetyl Stearyl Polyethylene Glycol Ether
Synthetic
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Ingredient Facts
Ceteareth-9
AKA: Cetearyl Ethoxylate 9, Cetyl Stearyl Polyethylene Glycol Ether
Synthetic · Surfactant - Cleansing | Surfactant - Emulsifying · EWG: 4
Synthetic
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Plant Oil
Synthetic
Not Clean
A gentle cleanser and natural emulsifier derived from plant-based alcohols that helps remove impurities while keeping formulas smooth and well-blended.
CAS #
68439-49-6
Form
Liquid
Synthetic
Botanical. Typically derived from coconut or palm kernel oils through hydrogenation of the fatty alcohols. Produced by ethoxylation, adding ethylene oxide chains to cetearyl alcohol molecules.
Function
Surfactant - Cleansing | Surfactant - Emulsifying
Benefits
Cleansing Surfactant
Emulsifier
Removes Impurities
Mixes Oil & Water
Traditional Use
A synthetic emulsifier combining cetyl and stearyl alcohols with polyethylene glycol, developed in the mid-20th century. Used to solubilize oils and create stable cosmetic emulsions.
Skin Types
all-skin-types
Best For
Target
General
Melanin-Rich Skin
Suitable
Pregnancy Safe
Yes
EWG Score4
CIR Safety Findings
medical-approval, all-shades-safe, Not a Sensitizer
Concentration Guide
Industry reports use up to 16.0% across all product types. Source: CIR Safety Assessment (CIR Seq 581).
Regulatory Status
USApermitted
EUrestricted
JAPANrestricted
CANADArestricted
Verified Feb 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR