Ceteareth-28
AKA “Ceteareth 28, Cetyl and stearyl alcohol ethoxylate
Synthetic
Ingredient Facts
Ceteareth-28
AKA: Ceteareth 28, Cetyl and stearyl alcohol ethoxylate
Synthetic · Cleansing · EWG: 4
Plant-Derived Synthetic
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Plant Oil
Synthetic
Clean
A gentle cleansing agent derived from plant-based alcohols that removes impurities while helping the formula blend smoothly and feel luxurious on skin.
Effective at 8.02%
CAS #
68439-49-6
Form
Liquid
See origin →
Functions
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Emulsifying
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Removes Impurities
Cleansing Surfactant
Emulsifier
Mixes Oil & Water
Traditional Use
Developed in the mid-20th century as a synthetic ethoxylated emulsifier derived from cetearyl alcohol. Created to stabilize oil-water mixtures in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, with no traditional use history.
Skin Types
all-skin-types
Best For
General
Melanin-Rich Skin
Suitable
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
EWG
4
CIR
Safe
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Concentration Guide
0.03%
16.0%
0%22%
Effective Range
CIR reported use: 0.03-16 | 0.09-0.3
Regulatory Status
USApermitted
EUrestricted
JAPANrestricted
CANADArestricted
Verified Feb 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR