What it is
Cetearyl glucoside is an alkyl glucoside emulsifier made by combining fatty alcohols with glucose. It helps create stable oil-in-water emulsions and is valued for its mild, skin-friendly profile, often paired with cetearyl alcohol in self-emulsifying systems. In sunscreens it helps keep the emulsion uniform so UV filters stay evenly distributed.
Safety & warnings
Alkyl glucoside emulsifiers like cetearyl glucoside are generally considered mild and well tolerated. They are not fragrance allergens, although rare sensitization to alkyl glucosides has been reported, so very reactive individuals may wish to take note.
Origin & sourcing
It is synthesized from renewable, plant-derived raw materials: fatty alcohols (such as those from coconut or palm) and glucose typically sourced from starch.
Questions everyone asks
What does cetearyl glucoside do?
It is a sugar-derived emulsifier that binds oil and water together to form a stable cream or lotion, helping keep UV filters evenly dispersed.
Is cetearyl glucoside plant-based?
Yes. It is typically made from plant-derived fatty alcohols and glucose, making it a renewable, sugar-based emulsifier.