Isoceteth-20
A nonionic surfactant and emulsifier. It blends oil with water and stabilizes texture. 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
Isoceteth-20 is a nonionic surfactant, an ethoxylated isocetyl alcohol with a chain of twenty ethylene-oxide units. INCI: Isoceteth-20. In a formula it works as an emulsifier and solubilizer: it binds oil and water, helps dissolve oils and fragrance in the water phase, and stabilizes the formula. Its branched structure makes it handy for clear, light textures. It is a functional component, not a skincare active. Pregnancy safety. Systemic absorption through intact skin is low and there is no evidence of harm. It can be used during pregnancy and lactation. Tolerance. Irritation and allergen potential are low. As with ethoxylated raw materials, the standard caveat about 1,4-dioxane removal in manufacturing applies.
Frequently asked questions
Is Isoceteth-20 safe during pregnancy?
Isoceteth-20 is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
What skin types is Isoceteth-20 for?
Isoceteth-20 suits: normal, dry, combination, oily, sensitive.
What is Isoceteth-20 and what does it do in cosmetics?
A nonionic surfactant and emulsifier.
What's the INCI name for Isoceteth-20?
The INCI name is Isoceteth-20.
See Isoceteth-20 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
Isodecyl Salicylate, Isododecane, Isoeugenyl Acetate, Isononyl Isononanoate, Phenethyl Benzoate, Sodium Cocoyl Alaninate, Acetic Acid, CI 77120 (Barium Sulfate)
Published: · updated: