Cetearyl Methicone
AKA “Cetearyl Silicone, Cetyl Stearyl Methicone
Skin Conditioning
Ingredient Facts
Cetearyl methicone
AKA: Cetearyl Silicone, Cetyl Stearyl Methicone
Skin Conditioning · Skin Conditioning · EWG: 2
Plant-Derived
Skin Conditioner
Silicone
Clean
Poly{oxy[(C16-18)-alkylmethylsilylene]}, trimethylsilyl terminated
CAS #
227200-32-0
Form
Liquid
See origin →
Functions
Skin Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Locks in moisture
Traditional Use
A synthetic hybrid combining cetyl and stearyl alcohols with silicone (methicone), developed in the mid-to-late 20th century. Used as a conditioning and slip agent in hair and skincare products.
Skin Types
all-skin-types, gentle
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
EWG
2
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
ewg-2
medical-approval
pregnancy-nursing-safe
all-shades-safe
Regulatory Status
USApermitted
EUrestricted
JAPANrestricted
CANADArestricted
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR