What it is
Ceteareth-20 is the polyethylene glycol ether of cetearyl alcohol, with about 20 ethylene oxide units giving it a relatively hydrophilic character. As a nonionic emulsifier it stabilizes oil-in-water emulsions and is commonly paired with co-emulsifiers and fatty alcohols to build smooth, stable creams and sunscreen lotions. It can also act as a mild surfactant and solubilizer.
Safety & warnings
Ceteareth-20 is widely used and generally well tolerated, though ethoxylated surfactants can be mildly irritating to compromised or broken skin at higher concentrations. As with other PEG-type ethoxylates, residual ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane are controlled through purification during manufacture.
Origin & sourcing
Synthetic; manufactured by ethoxylating cetearyl alcohol (a blend of cetyl and stearyl alcohols).
Questions everyone asks
What does Ceteareth-20 do?
It is a nonionic emulsifier that helps blend oil and water into a stable, smooth cream or lotion.
Is it the same as cetearyl alcohol?
No. It is made from cetearyl alcohol but is ethoxylated, which makes it water-loving and gives it emulsifying and surfactant properties.