Ceteareth-25
An emulsifying surfactant. It binds oil with water and stabilizes the emulsion. Well tolerated.
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, Sensitive
About this ingredient
Ceteareth-25 (INCI Ceteareth-25) is an ethoxylated fatty alcohol that acts as an emulsifier and surfactant. Its job in the formula is to bind the oil phase and the water phase and keep the emulsion stable, so creams and lotions hold an even texture. This is a functional component, not a skincare active. It does not treat the skin or give a cosmetic benefit of its own; its usefulness is in making the formula possible and stable. Without emulsifiers like this, many textures simply would not hold. Topically it has no systemic relevance, so it is compatible with pregnancy and breastfeeding. Tolerance is good: low irritation and low allergy risk. Worth noting that it is a moderately harsh surfactant, so in highly concentrated cleansers or with very frequent use it could add to some dryness. At usual emulsifier levels this is rarely noticeable.
Frequently asked questions
Is Ceteareth-25 safe during pregnancy?
Ceteareth-25 is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
What skin types is Ceteareth-25 for?
Ceteareth-25 suits: normal, dry, combination, oily, sensitive.
What is Ceteareth-25 and what does it do in cosmetics?
An emulsifying surfactant.
What's the INCI name for Ceteareth-25?
The INCI name is Ceteareth-25.
See Ceteareth-25 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-33, Ceteareth-6, Ceteareth-6 Olivate, Ceteareth-60 Myristyl Glycol, Hexamethylindanopyran, PEG-22/Dodecyl Glycol Copolymer, Rhus Verniciflua Peel Cera, Trideceth-9
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