Cetoleth-22
AKA “Polyethylene glycol cetyl oleyl ether, PEG-22 cetyl oleyl ether, Cetyl oleyl polyethylene glycol ether
Synthetic
Ingredient Facts
Cetoleth-22
AKA: Polyethylene glycol cetyl oleyl ether, PEG-22 cetyl oleyl ether, Cetyl oleyl polyethylene glycol ether
Synthetic · Cleansing · EWG: 4
Synthetic
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Plant Oil
Synthetic
Clean
A gentle cleansing agent that removes makeup and impurities while helping blend oil and water-based ingredients into a smooth, unified formula.
Effective at 9.03%
CAS #
68155-01-1
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
Created as a polyethoxylated cetyl alcohol for cosmetic applications. Serves as an emulsifier and detergent in contemporary skincare and cleansing products.
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
0.06%
18.0%
0%25%
Effective Range
CIR reported use: 0.1-18 | 0.3-10 | 1-4 | 0.06-10
Regulatory Status
USApermitted
EUrestricted
JAPANrestricted
CANADArestricted
Verified Feb 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR