What Is Ceteareth-60?
Ceteareth-60 is part of the larger Ceteareth family, a group of ingredients made by joining fatty alcohols to ethylene oxide. The fatty alcohols, mainly cetyl and stearyl, usually come from plant oils like coconut or palm or from synthetic sources. In the case of Ceteareth-60 about 60 ethylene oxide units are attached, giving the material a long water-loving chain that blends well with both oil and water.
The ingredient first gained traction in the 1960s when formulators needed reliable emulsifiers that could keep creams and lotions from separating. By tweaking the length of the ethylene oxide chain they created versions like Ceteareth-60 that deliver specific textures and cleansing performance. Production involves reacting purified fatty alcohols with ethylene oxide in a controlled, closed system to ensure consistent chain length and purity.
Today you will spot Ceteareth-60 in a wide range of beauty staples. It appears in facial cleansers, moisturizers, anti-aging creams, exfoliating masks, hair conditioners and even some toners, anytime a brand wants a smooth, stable product that rinses away easily.
Ceteareth-60’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
Here is what Ceteareth-60 brings to the table when added to your favorite products:
- Cleansing: The ingredient loosens dirt, oil and makeup so they rinse away with water, helping formulas leave skin and hair feeling fresh without a heavy residue
- Emulsifying: It binds water and oil into a uniform mixture, preventing separation and giving creams and lotions a pleasing, silky feel
Who Can Use Ceteareth-60
Ceteareth-60 generally suits normal, dry, oily and combination skin because it cleanses without leaving a heavy film and helps lotions feel light. Extremely sensitive or compromised skin may find any ethoxylated surfactant a bit drying or irritating, so those users should proceed cautiously and look for calming ingredients alongside it.
The fatty alcohols that form the base of Ceteareth-60 are most often sourced from coconut or palm oil or are synthesized in a lab, so the ingredient is usually appropriate for vegans and vegetarians. If total plant origin is essential check with the brand to confirm its supply chain.
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review panel has found Ceteareth-60 safe for topical use, including in products intended for pregnant or breastfeeding consumers. Still, this is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should discuss every skincare product with their health professional just to be safe.
Ceteareth-60 is not known to cause photosensitivity, so it will not make skin more prone to sunburn. It also plays well with most other cosmetic ingredients and does not interact with common actives like retinoids or vitamin C.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical Ceteareth-60 vary from person to person. The points below outline potential side effects, yet most people tolerate the ingredient well when it is used correctly by the manufacturer.
- Mild skin irritation such as redness stinging or itching especially on very sensitive skin
- Dryness or a tight feeling if the cleansing action removes too much natural oil
- Rare allergic contact dermatitis presenting as rash or swelling
- Enhanced penetration of other potent actives which could amplify their own irritant potential
- Trace 1,4-dioxane contamination if manufacturing purification standards are poor though reputable brands keep levels well below safety limits
If any unwanted reaction develops stop using the product and consult a dermatologist or healthcare provider for guidance.
Comedogenic Rating
Ceteareth-60 carries a comedogenic rating of 1 out of 5. The lengthy ethoxylated chain makes it more water compatible than its parent fatty alcohols so it tends to rinse off rather than sit in pores. At the low levels normally used in skincare and hair care it is unlikely to trigger breakouts, making it generally acceptable for acne prone users. Its pore clogging potential can climb if a formula also contains heavy butters or waxes, therefore the full ingredient list matters more than this single emulsifier.
Summary
Ceteareth-60 works as a gentle cleanser and a dependable emulsifier. The hydrophilic ethoxylated chain grabs onto water while the fatty alcohol backbone anchors in oil, letting it lift away grime then keep lotions smooth and uniform. Brands favor it because it is cost effective, versatile and easy to formulate, though it does not have the buzz of newer green surfactants.
Decades of safety reviews show that Ceteareth-60 is well tolerated by most skin types when used at the levels allowed in cosmetics. Still, every complexion is unique so patch testing any new product that contains it is wise before applying it all over.