Cetoleth-18
AKA “Polyethylene glycol cetyl oleyl ether, PEG-18 cetyl oleyl ether, Cetyl oleyl polyethylene glycol ether
Synthetic
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Ingredient Facts
Cetoleth-18
AKA: Polyethylene glycol cetyl oleyl ether, PEG-18 cetyl oleyl ether, Cetyl oleyl polyethylene glycol ether
Synthetic · Surfactant - Cleansing | Surfactant - Emulsifying · EWG: 4
Plant-Derived
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Synthetic
Clean
A gentle cleanser that helps remove dirt and oil while keeping the formula smooth and blended.
CAS #
68155-01-1
Form
Liquid
Plant-Derived
Synthetic. Derived from cetyl alcohol and ethylene oxide, both petroleum-derived synthetic compounds. Synthesized through ethoxylation, wherein ethylene oxide is reacted with cetyl alcohol to form the polyethylene glycol ether.
Function
Surfactant - Cleansing | Surfactant - Emulsifying
Benefits
Cleansing Surfactant
Emulsifier
Removes Impurities
Mixes Oil & Water
Traditional Use
A synthetic emulsifier derived from cetyl alcohol and polyethylene glycol. Created in the mid-20th century to stabilize oil-in-water formulations in cosmetics.
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 18.0% across all product types. Source: CIR Safety Assessment (CIR Seq 581).
Regulatory Status
USApermitted
EUrestricted
JAPANrestricted
CANADArestricted
Verified Feb 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR