CETEARETH-20

📋 Quick facts

Description: CETEARETH-20 — emulsifier.

All Functions: emulsifier

Quick Facts:

• Category: surfactant

Proven Benefits At A Glance:

• Ceteareth-20 is an emulsifier used in cosmetic creams and cleansing products
• It was found in about 24% of facial wipes examined in one study
• It can be used as part of emulsifying systems in sunscreen formulations
• Research on its safety profile is limited in the available sources

📊 Comedogenicity

🛡️ Safety rating

Safety tier is a starting heuristic from regulatory status and comedogenic rating, not a dermatological verdict — see our Terms for the full disclaimer. Research confidence reflects how many real cited studies back this ingredient, not the strength of their findings.

🌍 Regulatory Status

💧 Skin Type Compatibility

Derived from this ingredient’s irritancy potential and comedogenicity rating against the needs of each skin type — e.g. oily and acne-prone skin are marked down for pore-clogging ingredients, sensitive skin for irritants. A starting heuristic, not a dermatological verdict.

⚠️ Don’t Combine With

📚 Research & Evidence

🔬 The Science

Ceteareth-20 is a type of emulsifier—a molecule that helps mix oil and water ingredients together in cosmetic products. The name tells you something about its chemical structure: it’s made from cetearyl alcohol (a fatty alcohol) with added ethoxy groups (the “-eth-20” part indicates 20 ethoxy units). #1: In formulation work, ceteareth-20 appears in emulsifying systems used to create stable cream bases. According to Med Pharm Rep (2024), a cream formula using ceteareth-20 as the emulsifier was identified as suitable for customized skincare products and remained stable through different preparation methods. #2: The ingredient can be part of more complex emulsifier blends.

Int J Cosmet Sci (2008) tested an emulsifier system called Emulgade SE that contained ceteareth-12, ceteareth-20, cetearyl alcohol, and cetyl palmitate together, finding this combination affected how sunscreen ingredients moved through the skin in lab testing. #3: Regarding safety concerns, a Dermatitis study (2017) analyzing 178 facial wipes found ceteareth-20 in about 23.6% of products and listed it among potentially allergenic ingredients in facial cleansing wipes, though this doesn’t mean it causes allergies in most users—it was identified as a potential allergen present in products, not that it commonly causes reactions. The sources available don’t provide detailed information about how frequently allergic reactions to ceteareth-20 actually occur or guidance on who should avoid it.

📄 Related Research

Matched by search — not necessarily verified support for every statement above.

• Aschenbeck KA et al. (2017). Allergenic Ingredients in Facial Wet Wipes. Dermatitis.
• Bîrsan M et al. (2024). Development of cream bases suitable for personalized cosmetic products. Med Pharm Rep.
• Montenegro L et al. (2008). In vitro skin permeation of sunscreen agents from O/W emulsions. Int J Cosmet Sci.
• Śliwa K et al. (2020). The Accumulated Effect of the Number of Ethylene Oxide Units and/or Carbon Chain Length in Surfactants Structure on the Nano-Micellar Extraction of Flavonoids. J Funct Biomater.
• Ceresole R et al. (2013). Drug-excipient compatibility studies in binary mixtures of avobenzone. J Cosmet Sci.

🧴 Products Containing CETEARETH-20

• Nivea Hairmilk 7 Plus
• Karseell Maca Essential Oil
• levia collagen and milk body lotion
• CONAXESS TRADE NORGE AS Brillance Hårfarge 872 Intense Red
• ASPIRE BRANDS AS Sunkissed Gradual Tan Light Medium 200ml
• Delia, Delia Cosmetics Cameleo Blond Moyen 7.0
• Ryana, Verona Precious argan oil Cerise noir
• Crema de masajes
• Dimple, Soft & Gentle Baby wipes fragrance free
• CONAXESS TRADE NORGE AS Live Urban Metallics U69 Amethyst Chrome
• CONAXESS TRADE NORGE AS Brillance Hårfarge 924 Choco Couture
• CONAXESS TRADE NORGE AS Live Urban Metallics U67 Blue Mercury
• CONAXESS TRADE NORGE AS Live Urban Metallics U72 Dusty Silver
• CONAXESS TRADE NORGE AS Blonde Blondering Highlights M1
• CONAXESS TRADE NORGE AS Blonde Blondering Ultra Lightener L1+
• Änglamark Änglamark Sun Lotion, SPF15
• Änglamark Sun Spray, SPF15
• Maria Nila Styling cream
• Hyderma Lait Hydratant
• crema liquida humectante lubriderm
• Arrurrú Crema avena
• Bagovit Emulsión hidratante revitalizante, efecto luminoso
• rayito de sol
• simonds pantalla solar crema
• Slick Gorilla Clay Pomade
• Coop, Io Coop Crema Solare 50+
• Coop latte solare fresca idratazione protezione bassa 6
• Jergens Soins Ultra
• 3 chênes, 3 chênes Beauty belleza oleo-proteique complex color & soin 6 G blond foncé doré
• up & up lotion
• Belifor Coloration Douss Color 134 Marron Chocolat – 131ML – Beliflor
• le petit marseillais Après shampooing cheveux & cuir chevelu
• Cosmia Crème dépilatoire à l’aloe vera
• Henkel, Schwarzkopf Palette Salon Colors 8.5
• Pouce Crème hydratante visage et corps
• Crema depilatoria facial
• Santiveri Spray Citress
• Clairol Nice ‘n Easy Root Touch-Up Permanent Hair Color, 4R Dark Auburn
• Lubriderm extra humectante
• Bonpreu Desodorante