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Ceteth-40
AKA “Polyethylene glycol cetyl ether, PEG-40 cetyl ether, Cetyl polyethylene glycol ether”
Synthetic
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Ingredient Facts
Ceteth-40
AKA: Polyethylene glycol cetyl ether, PEG-40 cetyl ether, Cetyl polyethylene glycol ether
Synthetic · Cleansing | Surfactant - Cleansing · EWG: 4
Plant-Derived
Cleanser
Synthetic
Not Clean
Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), .alpha.-hexadecyl-.omega.-hydroxy- (40 mol EO average molar ratio) Science: Functions: Cleansing, Surfactant - Cleansing Safety Ratings: CIR: Safe as used
CAS #
9002-92-0; 68439-50-9; 5274-68-0; 9004-95-9; 9005-00-9; 4536-30-5; 3055-93-4; 3055-94-5; 3055-95-6
Form
Liquid
Plant-Derived
Synthetic. Derived from cetyl alcohol and ethylene oxide, both petroleum-derived chemicals used as starting materials. Synthesized through ethoxylation, where ethylene oxide chains are chemically attached to cetyl alcohol via catalytic reaction.
Function
Cleansing | Surfactant - Cleansing
Benefits
Removes Impurities
Cleansing Surfactant
Traditional Use
Developed in the mid-20th century as a polyethylene glycol ether of cetyl alcohol. Created to replace traditional animal-derived emulsifiers and surfactants in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.
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 21.0% across all product types. Source: CIR Safety Assessment (CIR Seq 581).
Regulatory Status
USA✔ permitted
EU⚠ restricted
JAPAN⚠ restricted
CANADA⚠ restricted
Verified Feb 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR