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Cetoleth-5
AKA “Cetyl alcohol ethoxylate, Ceteth-5, Polyethylene glycol cetyl ether”
Surfactant
Ingredient Facts
Cetoleth-5
AKA: Cetyl alcohol ethoxylate, Ceteth-5, Polyethylene glycol cetyl ether
Surfactant · Cleansing · EWG: 4
Synthetic
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Not Clean
Alcohols, C16 and C18-unsaturated, ethoxylated (5 mol EO average molar ratio)
Effective at 9.03%
CAS #
68155-01-1
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.
Emulsifying
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Cleansing Surfactant
Emulsifier
Removes Impurities
Mixes Oil & Water
Traditional Use
A polyethoxylated cetyl alcohol created as an emulsifier and surfactant. Developed in the mid-20th century for use in cosmetic 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
USA✔ permitted
EU⚠ restricted
JAPAN⚠ restricted
CANADA⚠ restricted
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR