Cetoleth-25
AKA “Cetyl alcohol ethoxylate, Ceteth-25, Polyethylene glycol cetyl ether
Surfactant
Ingredient Facts
Cetoleth-25
AKA: Cetyl alcohol ethoxylate, Ceteth-25, Polyethylene glycol cetyl ether
Surfactant · Cleansing · EWG: 4
Synthetic
Cleanser
Not Clean
Alcohols, C16 and C18-unsaturated, ethoxylated (25 mol EO average molar ratio); Alcohols, C16 and C18-unsatd., ethoxylated; Alcohols, C16-18 and C18-unsatd., ethoxylated
Effective at 9.03%
CAS #
68155-01-1, 68920-66-1
Form
Liquid
See origin →
Functions
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Removes Impurities
Cleansing Surfactant
Traditional Use
Developed as a polyethoxylated cetyl alcohol derivative for cosmetics. Functions as a surfactant and emulsifier in contemporary skincare products.
Skin Types
all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
Restricted By
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Concentration Guide
0.06%
18.0%
0%25%
Effective Range
CIR reported use: 0.1-18 | 0.3-10 | 1-4 | 0.06-10
Regulatory Status
USApermitted
EUrestricted
JAPANrestricted
CANADArestricted
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR