What Is Ceteth-24?
Ceteth-24 is a nonionic surfactant created by attaching roughly 24 units of ethylene oxide to cetyl alcohol, a fatty alcohol that can be sourced from coconut or palm oils or produced synthetically. The result is a waxy, off-white solid that melts easily and disperses in water or oil, making it a versatile helper ingredient for modern cosmetics.
Nonionic surfactants like Ceteth-24 rose to popularity in the mid-20th century when formulators looked for milder yet effective alternatives to soap-based cleansers. Its ability to mix oil and water, boost foam and leave a soft feel quickly made it a go-to choice for creams, lotions and rinse-off products.
Manufacturing starts with purified cetyl alcohol that is reacted with ethylene oxide in a controlled, high-pressure environment. The number 24 refers to the average count of ethylene oxide units added. After neutralization and purification, the finished material is standardized into flakes or pastilles ready for blending into cosmetic bases.
You will commonly spot Ceteth-24 in facial cleansers, body washes, moisturizers, sunscreens, hair conditioners, sheet masks and anti-aging creams where it helps keep formulas stable and pleasant to use.
Ceteth-24’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
Formulators lean on Ceteth-24 for several practical reasons:
- Cleansing – Lowers surface tension so water can lift away dirt, oil and makeup without stripping the skin, leading to gentle yet effective cleansers and body washes
- Emulsifying – Binds oil and water into a uniform mixture that stays stable over time, preventing separation in creams, lotions and sunscreens while also giving them a smooth, non-greasy feel
Who Can Use Ceteth-24
Ceteth-24 is considered gentle enough for most skin types, including oily, dry, sensitive and combination skin, because its nonionic nature cleanses without harshly stripping natural oils. Extremely reactive skin may still prefer a minimalist formula in case multiple surfactants together increase the chance of irritation.
The ingredient itself can be plant derived or synthetic, so many formulations are suitable for vegans and vegetarians. If ethical sourcing is important to you, check that the brand specifies coconut or palm origin rather than animal-based cetyl alcohol.
No studies indicate that topical Ceteth-24 poses a problem for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. This is not medical advice; anyone expecting or nursing should run all skincare products past a qualified healthcare professional just to be safe.
Ceteth-24 does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight and has no known conflicts with common actives such as vitamin C or retinoids.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Everyone’s skin is different, so reactions to Ceteth-24 can vary. The points below list potential side effects. When correctly formulated most users will not experience these issues.
- Mild redness or stinging – usually short lived and more common on already compromised skin
- Dryness or tightness – can occur if Ceteth-24 is used in a high-foaming cleanser without enough hydrating ingredients
- Contact irritation – rare but possible in people sensitive to ethoxylated surfactants
- Allergic contact dermatitis – very uncommon yet documented in isolated cases
- Eye irritation – if the product accidentally enters the eyes during cleansing
If you notice any of these effects stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional or dermatologist.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5
Ceteth-24 is highly ethoxylated which makes it more water friendly and less likely to build up inside pores. Although it starts from cetyl alcohol, the 24 ethylene oxide units thin out the waxy character that can clog follicles. Industry reports and user feedback show a very low tendency to cause comedones at the modest percentages used in most formulas.
This low score means Ceteth-24 is generally fine for people who are prone to acne or breakouts.
Overall formula still matters; pairing it with heavy oils or thick waxes can raise pore-clogging risk even if Ceteth-24 itself is mild.
Summary
Ceteth-24 acts as a gentle cleanser and steadfast emulsifier. Its fatty tail grabs oils while its long chain of ethylene oxide units bonds with water letting it whisk away dirt and hold oil and water together in stable mixtures.
It may not be as flashy as trendy actives yet it shows up in countless cleansers lotions sunscreens and conditioners because it is affordable easy to use and leaves a smooth non-greasy feel.
Research and decades of real world use point to a strong safety profile with only rare instances of irritation. Still it is smart to perform a quick patch test when trying any new product that contains Ceteth-24 just to be sure your skin agrees.