Ceteth-40
AKA “Polyethylene glycol cetyl ether, PEG-40 cetyl ether, Cetyl polyethylene glycol ether
Synthetic
Ingredient Facts
Ceteth-40
AKA: Polyethylene glycol cetyl ether, PEG-40 cetyl ether, Cetyl polyethylene glycol ether
Synthetic · Cleansing · EWG: 4
Synthetic
Cleanser
Synthetic
Clean
Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), .alpha.-hexadecyl-.omega.-hydroxy- (40 mol EO average molar ratio) Science: Functions: Cleansing, Surfactant - Cleansing Safety Ratings: CIR: Safe as used
Effective at 10.5%
CAS #
9002-92-0; 68439-50-9; 5274-68-0; 9004-95-9; 9005-00-9; 4536-30-5; 3055-93-4; 3055-94-5; 3055-95-6
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.
Removes Impurities
Cleansing Surfactant
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
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
0.0002%
21.0%
0%29%
Effective Range
CIR reported use: 0.0002-21 | 0.0002-8 | 0.2-3 | 0.2-4
Regulatory Status
USApermitted
EUrestricted
JAPANrestricted
CANADArestricted
Verified Feb 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR
Ceteth-40 — Duck Heart Ghost