Ceteth-20
AKA “Cetocire, CETOMACROGOL, Romopal O, Collone AC, Lubrol W, Nikkol BC, Ethosperse CL20, Lipocol C2”
Synthetic
Ingredient Facts
Ceteth-20
AKA: Cetocire, CETOMACROGOL, Romopal O, Collone AC, Lubrol W, Nikkol BC, Ethosperse CL20, Lipocol C2
Synthetic · Cleansing · EWG: 2
Synthetic
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Synthetic
Clean
A gentle cleanser that helps remove oil and impurities while keeping formulas smooth and stable. Works to lift dirt without stripping skin.
Effective at 10.5%
Formula
C56H114O21
Mol. Weight
1123.50
CAS #
9004-95-9
Form
Liquid
State
White solid; mp = 32-34 deg C; [Sigma-Aldrich MSDS]
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
Fights Bacteria
Antioxidant Protection
Brightens Skin
Mixes Oil & Water
Traditional Use
Developed in the mid-20th century as a polyethylene glycol ether of cetyl alcohol. Created to replace traditional animal-derived emulsifiers and surfactants in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types, gentle
Best For
General
Melanin-Rich Skin
Suitable
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
EWG
2
CIR
Safe
Pregnancy
Yes
Restricted By
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
ewg-2
medical-approval
pregnancy-nursing-safe
all-shades-safe
Concentration Guide
0.0002%
21.0%
0%29%
Effective Range
CIR reported use: 0.0002-21 | 0.0002-8 | 0.2-3 | 0.2-4
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Feb 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR