What Is Ceteareth-22?
Ceteareth-22 is a nonionic surfactant created by attaching roughly twenty two units of ethylene oxide to a blend of cetyl and stearyl fatty alcohols, which are long chain alcohols usually sourced from coconut or palm oil though they can also come from synthetic petroleum routes. The resulting waxy, off white solid dissolves easily in water and oil, letting it slide effortlessly into modern skin and hair formulas.
The cosmetic world began leaning on ethoxylated fatty alcohols in the 1960s when formulators needed reliable, gentle emulsifiers that would keep creams smooth without irritating skin. Ceteareth-22 quickly became a staple because its mid-range chain length offers a good balance of cleansing power and mildness while its nonionic nature plays nicely with most other ingredients.
Manufacturing starts by separating cetyl and stearyl alcohols from their natural oils, purifying them, then reacting them with ethylene oxide gas under controlled heat and pressure. Careful monitoring of the reaction yields an average of twenty two ethylene oxide units per molecule, giving the ingredient its specific name and predictable performance.
You will spot Ceteareth-22 in a wide range of products such as daily moisturizers, anti aging serums, wash off masks, sunscreens, conditioners, makeup foundations, body lotions and baby cleansers where it helps keep textures creamy, stable and pleasant to apply.
Ceteareth-22’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
In formulas Ceteareth-22 pulls triple duty that makes products more effective and enjoyable to use
- Cleansing: Its surfactant nature loosens dirt, oil and product buildup so they rinse away easily, boosting the cleaning power of face washes and shampoos without stripping skin or hair
- Emulsifying: It binds water and oil into a uniform mixture which keeps creams from separating, ensures active ingredients stay evenly distributed and delivers a smooth, velvety feel during application
- Viscosity Controlling: By thickening watery mixes or thinning heavy ones it fine tunes texture so lotions spread evenly, masks don’t drip and serums absorb quickly
Who Can Use Ceteareth-22
Ceteareth-22 is generally well tolerated by most skin types including dry, oily, normal and combination skin because it is a mild nonionic surfactant that helps balance texture without leaving a heavy film. People with very sensitive or compromised skin may want to monitor how their skin feels since any surfactant, even a gentle one, can occasionally trigger redness or tightness in easily irritated complexions.
The fatty alcohols in Ceteareth-22 are usually sourced from coconut or palm oil so the ingredient can be suitable for vegans and vegetarians. If total plant origin matters, look for brands that confirm vegetable sourcing because some manufacturers still use synthetic or animal derived alcohols.
Pregnant and breastfeeding individuals are not known to face special restrictions with Ceteareth-22 because it stays mainly on the surface and has no evidence of systemic effects. This is not medical advice and anyone who is expecting or nursing should review any skincare routine with a qualified doctor to be sure every ingredient fits their personal circumstances.
Ceteareth-22 does not increase photosensitivity so regular daytime use does not require extra sun precautions beyond a normal broad spectrum sunscreen. It is also compatible with most actives and preservatives which makes it a flexible choice in multi step routines.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to topical Ceteareth-22 differ from person to person. The points below outline potential side effects but most users will not experience them when the ingredient is used at standard cosmetic levels.
- Mild skin irritation such as redness or a stinging sensation
- Contact dermatitis in individuals already sensitized to ethoxylated ingredients
- Eye irritation if a product accidentally gets into the eyes
- Follicular congestion in very acne prone skin when used in heavy leave on formulas
If a negative reaction occurs stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional for guidance.
Comedogenic Rating
Ceteareth-22 has a comedogenic rating of 2 out of 5. Its base is a blend of cetyl and stearyl alcohols that on their own can sit slightly higher on the scale, but ethoxylation makes the molecule more water loving which lowers its tendency to clog pores. In most lightweight or rinse off formulas it should not trigger breakouts, though thick creams that stay on the skin could pose a minor risk for those who are very acne prone. Your overall routine, climate and the other ingredients in the product will also influence whether pores stay clear.
Bottom line: generally acceptable for blemish prone skin yet best used in lighter textures or wash off products if you are worried about congestion.
Summary
Ceteareth-22 works as a mild surfactant that lifts grime, an emulsifier that locks oil and water into a stable mixture and a texture adjuster that sets the perfect thickness. It does this by pairing the oil friendly fatty alcohol chain with water friendly ethoxylated segments, giving one ingredient the power to bridge both phases and fine tune feel.
Thanks to that versatility it shows up in a wide range of skincare and haircare though it is not the flashiest name on an ingredient list. Chemists appreciate it because it plays nicely with actives, preservatives and other surfactants which keeps formulas simple and reliable.
Safety data and decades of use point to a low irritation profile for most users. Still every skin is unique so patch testing a new product remains the easiest way to make sure Ceteareth-22 and the rest of the formula fit your individual needs.