The ingredient, explained

Ceteareth-20

A published expert safety assessment covers the exact ingredient in the specified exposure context.

CleansingEmulsifyingSurfactant

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Ingredient guide

What it is and what it does

C16-18 alcohols, ethoxylated -20 mol EO average molar ratio-

About this ingredient: EU CosIng ingredient registry (via Open Beauty Facts taxonomy) ↗

Cleansing: Helps remove material from the body surface.
Emulsifying: Helps liquids that do not normally mix form a mixture.
Surfactant: Changes surface tension to help a product distribute or interact with other materials.

Function definitions: European Commission ingredient function definitions (SCCNFP/0299/00, pages 16 to 20) ↗

Registry functions describe possible formulation roles, not results for a finished product. A dictionary entry is not an approval or a safety assessment.

A closer look

What the research shows

Safety assessment

Panel concluded listed ceteareths safe as used in cosmetic formulations.

What this does not tell us

Dated safety assessment relies extensively on related PEG, fatty alcohol and steareth data. Formulation and impurity bounds apply; no isolated efficacy.

Sources for this summary. DOI 10.1177/109158189901800306 ↗

Research review checked Oct 1, 2026

Bounded review of local candidates, exact-name indexed primary journal/PubMed safety and topical searches; not a systematic review.

Ingredient research is not proof that a product containing this ingredient works.