CETETH-20 (Ceteth-20) – function in cosmetics

An ethoxylated cetyl alcohol used as an emulsifier and cleansing surfactant.

What it is

Ceteth-20 is a polyethylene glycol ether of cetyl alcohol with an average of 20 ethylene oxide units. CosIng lists it as a cleansing agent and an emulsifying and cleansing surfactant.

Where it is used

Used in creams, lotions, hair conditioners, hair dyes and cleansing products.

Limits of interpretation

The INCI list shows which ingredients are present, not how much of each. Above 1%, ingredients are listed in descending order of weight; below 1% the order is free.

The number 20 refers to the average degree of ethoxylation, so the raw material is a mixture of molecules with different chain lengths.

Functions

Cleansing

Helping to keep the body surface clean.

Surfactant – emulsifying

Helping suspensions or dispersions of liquids in a second liquid by reducing the surface tension of the substances to be emulsified.

Surfactant – cleansing

Wetting body surfaces, emulsifying or solubilizing oils, and suspending soil (generally, such ingredients contribute to the foaming and lathering properties of cleansing products).

CETETH-20

What it is

Where it is used

Limits of interpretation

Functions

EU regulation

Products with this ingredient (45)