What it is
Ceteth-5 is cetyl alcohol ethoxylated with about five units of ethylene oxide, giving a nonionic surfactant that is more water-compatible than lower grades such as Ceteth-3. It functions as an oil-in-water emulsifier and is frequently combined with other Ceteth grades to fine-tune emulsion stability. In sunscreens and lotions it helps produce a uniform, stable emulsion.
Safety & warnings
Ceteth emulsifiers are widely used and generally well tolerated in leave-on and rinse-off products. As ethoxylated materials they are purified to control residual 1,4-dioxane. They are not fragrance allergens.
Origin & sourcing
It is a synthetic ingredient produced by ethoxylating cetyl alcohol, which may be derived from plant or petrochemical sources.
Questions everyone asks
What does Ceteth-5 do?
It is a nonionic oil-in-water emulsifier that helps blend the oil and water phases of a formula into a stable cream or lotion.
How is Ceteth-5 different from Ceteth-3?
Ceteth-5 has more ethylene oxide units, making it more water-loving, so the two are often combined to balance an emulsifier system.