Ceteth-5
AKA “Cetocire, CETOMACROGOL, Romopal O, Collone AC, Lubrol W, Nikkol BC, Ethosperse CL20, Lipocol C2”
Synthetic
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Ingredient Facts
Ceteth-5
AKA: Cetocire, CETOMACROGOL, Romopal O, Collone AC, Lubrol W, Nikkol BC, Ethosperse CL20, Lipocol C2
Synthetic · Surfactant - Cleansing | Surfactant - Emulsifying · EWG: 2
Plant-Derived
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Synthetic
Not Clean
A gentle cleanser that helps remove dirt and oil while keeping formulas smooth and well-blended. Works to cleanse without stripping skin.
Formula
C56H114O21
Mol. Weight
1123.50
CAS #
9004-95-9, 4478-97-1
Form
Liquid
Plant-Derived
Synthetic. Derived from cetyl alcohol and ethylene oxide, both petroleum-derived synthetic chemicals. Synthesized through ethoxylation, where ethylene oxide chains are added to cetyl alcohol.
Function
Surfactant - Cleansing | Surfactant - Emulsifying
Benefits
Cleansing Surfactant
Emulsifier
Removes Impurities
Mixes Oil & Water
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, gentle
Best For
Target
General
Melanin-Rich Skin
Suitable
Pregnancy Safe
Yes
Restricted By
EWG Score2
CIR Safety Findings
ewg-2, medical-approval, pregnancy-nursing-safe, 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 Agencies
Verified Feb 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR