Isoceteth-30
AKA “Isocetyl alcohol ethoxylate, PEG-30 isocetyl ether
Surfactant
Ingredient Facts
Isoceteth-30
AKA: Isocetyl alcohol ethoxylate, PEG-30 isocetyl ether
Surfactant · Cleansing · EWG: 4
Synthetic
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Not Clean
Alcohols, C16-branched, ethoxylated (30 mol EO average molar ratio)
Effective at 10.5%
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
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.
Emulsifying
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Removes Impurities
Cleansing Surfactant
Emulsifier
Mixes Oil & Water
Traditional Use
Synthetic ethoxylated surfactant created as a cosmetic ingredient in the late 20th century. Functions as a strong hydrophilic emulsifier for water-based formulations and cleansing products.
Skin Types
all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Concentration Guide
0.0002%
21.0%
0%29%
Effective Range
CIR reported use: 0.0002-21 | 0.0002-8 | 0.2-3 | 0.2-4
Regulatory Status
USApermitted
EUrestricted
JAPANrestricted
CANADArestricted
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR