What Is Ceteareth-17?
Ceteareth-17 is a man-made ingredient created by attaching about 17 units of ethylene oxide to fatty alcohols that come mainly from coconut or palm oil. These alcohols have 16 to 18 carbon atoms, giving the final material a waxy feel that melts easily into creams and lotions. First introduced in the late 1970s as part of a wider group called ceteareths, it grew popular when formulators looked for gentle yet effective ways to blend oil and water in personal care products.
The manufacturing process begins with natural fatty alcohols that are cleaned and purified. They are then reacted with ethylene oxide in a controlled setting, which fixes the 17 average units to the alcohol backbone. The result is a white to off-white solid that dissolves in both oil and water, making it a versatile helper in cosmetic labs.
Because of its dual nature, ceteareth-17 appears in a wide range of products. You might spot it in facial moisturizers, body lotions, leave-on hair conditioners, cleansing balms, sheet mask serums and anti-aging night creams. It is also common in rinse-off items like shower gels and creamy cleansers where a smooth, stable texture is key.
Ceteareth-17’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
Here is how this multitasker contributes to the feel and performance of your favorite formulas:
- Cleansing: Its surfactant properties help lift away dirt, oil and leftover makeup so they can be rinsed off easily leaving skin and hair fresh
- Emulsifying: Acts as a bridge between water and oil, creating a uniform mixture that stays blended over time which improves texture, stability and overall user experience
Who Can Use Ceteareth-17
Ceteareth-17 is generally well tolerated by most skin types, including normal, dry, oily and combination skin. People with very reactive or broken skin should take extra care because any surfactant can sometimes aggravate existing sensitivity, especially if used in high amounts.
The ingredient is made from plant based fatty alcohols so it is suitable for both vegans and vegetarians. No animal by-products are used in its manufacture.
Ceteareth-17 has not been linked to problems during pregnancy or while breastfeeding when used in topical cosmetics. Still, this is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should show their skincare routine to a doctor just to be safe.
The ingredient does not make skin more prone to sunburn and it has no known effect on photosensitivity.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to Ceteareth-17 differ from person to person. The points below list possible side effects yet most people will not notice any of them when the product is well formulated.
- Mild skin irritation such as redness or itching
- Stinging or burning on very sensitive or damaged skin
- Eye irritation if the product accidentally gets into the eyes
- Allergic contact dermatitis in rare cases
- Increased penetration of other ingredients which could raise the risk of reacting to those substances
- Trace residue of 1,4-dioxane from manufacturing if the supplier does not remove it properly, which may worry some users
If you notice any unwanted reaction stop using the product and seek advice from a healthcare professional or dermatologist.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 2/5. Ceteareth-17 is derived from mid-chain fatty alcohols but its ethoxylation makes it water loving, so it does not behave like heavier pore-clogging waxes. Most lab and anecdotal data place it at the low-to-moderate end of the scale, meaning it is unlikely to block pores for the average user yet could pose a small risk for those who are very easily congested.
People who break out readily can usually use products containing Ceteareth-17 without major issues, though ultra-acne-prone skin may prefer to limit leave-on formulas that include several potentially comedogenic ingredients together.
Formulation matters: when Ceteareth-17 is used in lightweight gels or in rinse-off cleansers its comedogenic potential drops even further, while rich balms that stay on the skin may increase the chance of clogged pores.
Summary
Ceteareth-17 works mainly as a cleanser and emulsifier. Its surfactant side lifts dirt and excess oil so they rinse away easily, while its oil-and-water friendly structure binds the two phases into a smooth stable cream. This dual action lets formulators create everything from silky lotions to gentle face washes.
The ingredient enjoyed a surge of popularity in the 1980s and still shows up in many mainstream moisturizers, hair conditioners and cleansing balms, though newer green-marketing trends sometimes replace it with non-ethoxylated alternatives.
Safety profiles from cosmetic regulators rate Ceteareth-17 as low hazard when properly purified, with irritation or allergy being uncommon. As with any new skincare ingredient it is wise to try a small patch first and watch how your skin responds.