The Index · Nonionic emulsifier
Ceteareth-20
Ceteareth-20
PEG-ylated cetearyl alcohol emulsifier for oil-in-water creams.
FunctionalFunctional ingredient, not graded for skin benefits
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PEG-ylated cetearyl alcohol emulsifier for oil-in-water creams.
What it does
Stabilizes moisturizing creams such as CeraVe-style ceramide emulsions.
The evidence
Functional ingredient (not graded for skin benefits): CIR PEG fatty ether emulsifiers; contamination controls apply to PEGs. Credible chemical identity and cosmetic-use context come from CIR/SCCS/manufacturer INCI definitions and databases such as SpecialChem/PubChem[1].
How to use it
Expect this as a supporting INCI line item unless labeled as a featured active.
What it does in the formula
Functional ingredient — not graded for skin benefits
PEG-ylated cetearyl alcohol emulsifier for oil-in-water creams.[1]
Safety & limits
Source and region, always
all — Used in cosmetics within conventional leave-on/rinse-off levels; see cited safety literature.[1] CA US EU UK
Sources · 2
Numbered as cited in the text
- [1]Cosmetic Ingredient Review. PEGs and PEG fatty ethers. CIR (2015)regulator
- [2]SpecialChem. SpecialChem INCI profile: Ceteareth-20. SpecialChem (2024)other
Revision history
18 Sept 2026Drafted by botTheSkindex Desk