Ceteareth-23
PEG ether of cetearyl alcohol with 23 ethylene oxide units. A nonionic o/w emulsifier, often paired with Ceteareth-20. Pregnancy-safe.
Supporting ingredient
It gives a product its texture, stability or shelf life. It has no claimed effect on the skin, so an efficacy tier does not apply. What is known about its safety is below
Tolerability and safety
- Irritation potential
- Low
- Allergen risk
- Low
- Pregnancy
- Safe
- Suitable for
- Normal, Dry, Combination, Oily
- Use with caution
- Sensitive
About this ingredient
Ceteareth-23 is a nonionic emulsifier produced by ethoxylating cetearyl alcohol with 23 ethylene oxide molecules. INCI: Ceteareth-23. HLB around 16, optimal for o/w emulsions. In cosmetics it is used in creams and lotions as an o/w emulsifier. Use levels run from 1 to 5%. The EU regulates 1,4-dioxane traces in ethoxylates to 10 ppm. Pregnancy safety. CIR rates the Ceteareth family as acceptable. Skin profile. Low irritation and allergen potential. Non-comedogenic. Suitable for most skin types; on sensitive skin may sting at high concentrations.
Frequently asked questions
Is Ceteareth-23 safe during pregnancy?
Ceteareth-23 is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
What skin types is Ceteareth-23 for?
Ceteareth-23 suits: normal, dry, combination, oily. Use with caution in: sensitive.
What is Ceteareth-23 and what does it do in cosmetics?
PEG ether of cetearyl alcohol with 23 ethylene oxide units.
Is Ceteareth-23 comedogenic?
On the Fulton scale 0/5 – non-comedogenic. For acne-prone skin, a rating of 3 or higher suggests choosing an alternative.
What's the INCI name for Ceteareth-23?
The INCI name is Ceteareth-23. It may also appear as: PEG-23 Cetearyl Ether.
See Ceteareth-23 in a product composition right on the store page
The Evigrade extension adds an evidence panel to iHerb, Sephora, Druni and 12 more stores. This ingredient and every other one in the product show evidence-tier, allergen risk and pregnancy/lactation flags at a glance.
Similar role in the formula
Other functional ingredients
Ceteareth-25, Ceteareth-33, Ceteareth-6, Ceteareth-6 Olivate, Hexadecanolactone, PEG-200 Hydrogenated Glyceryl Palmate, Raspberry Ketone, Trideceth-6
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