What Is Ceteareth-28?
Ceteareth-28 is a nonionic surfactant created by attaching about 28 units of ethylene oxide to a mixture of cetyl and stearyl alcohols, which are fatty alcohols usually sourced from coconut or palm oil though they can also be synthesized from petroleum derivatives. The result is a waxy solid that dissolves well in water and oil, letting it bridge the gap between the two. Nonionic surfactants like Ceteareth-28 rose to popularity in the late twentieth century when formulators sought gentler alternatives to soap based emulsifiers that could handle a wider pH range without irritation. Production involves first isolating the fatty alcohols, purifying them, then reacting them under controlled heat and pressure with ethylene oxide gas until the desired average of 28 ethoxy groups is reached.
Thanks to its balanced oil and water affinity, Ceteareth-28 appears in many rinse off and leave on products including facial creams, body lotions, sheet masks, hair conditioners, styling creams, sunscreens, cleansing balms and anti aging serums. In these formulas it helps keep textures smooth and uniform while boosting the cleansing power of mild surfactant systems.
Ceteareth-28’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
In skin and hair care formulas Ceteareth-28 contributes several performance benefits tied to its functions
- Cleansing: Its surfactant nature lifts away dirt oil and residues so it enhances the rinsability of cleansers shampoos and micellar waters while remaining mild to skin and scalp
- Emulsifying: Ceteareth-28 binds oil and water phases into a stable emulsion which keeps creams lotions and conditioners from separating gives them a pleasing texture and helps deliver active ingredients evenly across the skin or hair surface
Who Can Use Ceteareth-28
Ceteareth-28 is generally considered suitable for most skin types including dry, normal, combination and oily skin because it is a mild nonionic surfactant that does not typically strip the skin’s natural barrier. Very sensitive or compromised skin may want to proceed cautiously since any surfactant can heighten irritation if the overall formula is poorly balanced or used too frequently.
The ingredient is usually sourced from plant-derived cetyl and stearyl alcohols so it is widely accepted by vegans and vegetarians. If the brand does not state the origin, those avoiding animal by-products may wish to confirm that the fatty alcohols are coconut or palm based rather than animal derived or petroleum sourced.
Current safety data show no specific hazards for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding when Ceteareth-28 is used at common cosmetic levels. This is not medical advice and anyone who is expecting or nursing should run skincare choices past a qualified healthcare provider to be on the safe side.
Ceteareth-28 does not cause photosensitivity and it does not interfere with common active ingredients or sunscreen filters. It is also odorless so it will not clash with fragrance-free or low-fragrance routines.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to Ceteareth-28 vary from person to person. The following points outline potential side effects that could occur, although most users will not experience them when the ingredient is included at standard cosmetic levels in a well-formulated product.
- Skin irritation – Very sensitive skin or damaged skin barriers can feel stinging or redness especially with leave-on products that contain higher surfactant loads
- Contact dermatitis – Rare allergic responses have been reported leading to itching or rash
- Eye irritation – If a product accidentally gets into the eyes it can cause temporary burning or watering
- Follicular congestion – In heavy formulations the emulsifying waxy nature may feel occlusive on acne-prone skin and contribute to clogged pores in susceptible individuals
If any of these effects occur discontinue use and seek medical advice if symptoms persist or worsen.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 2 out of 5
Ceteareth-28 sits on the lower end of the scale because its ethoxylated structure makes it water loving enough to rinse away without leaving a thick residue yet it still contains the fatty backbone of cetyl and stearyl alcohols that can feel heavy in rich creams. Most people will never notice clogged pores from it in well balanced formulas but those who are very breakout prone might see issues if the product is already high in oils or butters.
Overall it is usually fine for acne-prone skin when used in light emulsions cleansers or serums and only becomes a bigger risk in dense occlusive products.
Formulation context matters; paired with lightweight oils and good skin feel modifiers the ingredient is far less likely to contribute to congestion.
Summary
Ceteareth-28 works mainly as a cleanser and emulsifier. Its surfactant head pulls water while its fatty tail grabs onto oils letting it whisk away grime and stitch oil and water together into stable smooth creams lotions and hair products. This dual personality is why it shows up in everything from facial moisturizers to shampoos.
The ingredient is a quiet workhorse rather than a headline star. It is popular with formulators because it delivers reliable texture stability and mild cleansing at an affordable cost but it rarely makes the front of the label so consumers may not realize how often they are using it.
Current safety assessments find it low risk at the concentrations used in cosmetics with irritation or allergy only popping up in uncommon cases. Still every skin is unique so patch testing a new product that contains Ceteareth-28 is a smart step before adding it to your daily routine.