What Is Ceteth-23?
Ceteth-23 is a synthetic ingredient created by reacting cetyl alcohol, a fatty alcohol usually sourced from coconut or palm oil, with about twenty-three units of ethylene oxide. The process, known as ethoxylation, attaches small water-loving groups to the long oil-loving cetyl chain, producing a waxy, off-white solid that mixes well with both water and oils. Developed in the mid-20th century as part of the search for gentler surfactants, Ceteth-23 quickly became popular in personal care because it could clean skin without stripping it and could also hold oil and water together in stable mixtures.
Today you will spot Ceteth-23 in a wide range of cosmetics. It appears in facial cleansers, body washes, makeup removers, lotions, creams, sunscreens, hair conditioners, styling creams, sheet masks and even some color-cosmetic formulas where a smooth, even texture is important. Manufacturers value it for its versatility, predictable performance and relatively low cost.
Ceteth-23’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
Ceteth-23 offers several practical benefits when blended into a formula
- Cleansing: As a mild surfactant it loosens dirt, oil and makeup so they can be rinsed away, leaving skin or hair feeling fresh but not tight
- Emulsifying: Its balanced oil- and water-friendly structure lets it bind the two phases together, creating stable creams and lotions that stay smooth over time and deliver an even spread of active ingredients
Who Can Use Ceteth-23
Ceteth-23 is generally well tolerated by most skin types including normal, oily, combination and dry because it is a mild surfactant that does not strip away the skin’s natural lipids. Sensitive skin usually handles it without issues, though formulas with high levels of other surfactants or fragrances could still pose a risk of irritation for some users.
The cetyl alcohol used to make Ceteth-23 is almost always sourced from coconut or palm oil, not animals, so finished raw material is considered suitable for both vegans and vegetarians. Those following a strict plant based lifestyle may still wish to verify the supply chain with the individual brand.
Published safety data show no specific warnings for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding. That said, this information is educational only and pregnant or nursing individuals should run any skincare product they plan to use past a qualified healthcare professional to be on the safe side.
Ceteth-23 does not cause photosensitivity and does not make skin more prone to sunburn. It is also fragrance free and non volatile so it will not contribute to inhalation concerns during normal use.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Side effects and reactions to topical Ceteth-23 can vary from person to person. The points below outline potential issues, but they are uncommon when the ingredient is properly formulated and used as directed.
- Mild skin irritation such as redness, itching or tightness, particularly in very sensitive individuals
- Allergic contact dermatitis in users already sensitized to ethoxylated surfactants
- Eye stinging or watering if a cleanser containing Ceteth-23 is not fully rinsed from the eye area
- Scalp dryness or flaking when used in high concentrations in hair products
If any of these reactions occur stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional or dermatologist for further advice
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5
Ceteth-23 sits low on the comedogenic scale because the ethoxylation process adds water-attracting groups that keep the molecule from clogging pores. It rarely builds up on skin, is usually used in small amounts and is often found in rinse-off products like cleansers. Those prone to acne or breakouts can generally use formulas containing Ceteth-23 without added concern, although overall product composition still matters.
No notable data link Ceteth-23 to worsened acne, and its mild cleansing action can even help remove pore-blocking debris. Only in very heavy leave-on creams at high concentrations might there be a slight risk for congestion.
Summary
Ceteth-23 is mainly valued for two jobs: it lifts away dirt and oil as a gentle surfactant and it locks water and oil together so creams stay smooth and stable. The ingredient does this by combining a fatty cetyl backbone that loves oil with multiple ethylene oxide units that love water, giving it a foot in both worlds.
You will spot Ceteth-23 in everything from face washes to sunscreens because it is affordable, easy to work with and dependable. It is not the buzziest name in skincare but formulators reach for it time and again when they need a mild, reliable emulsifier.
Current safety reviews show Ceteth-23 to be low risk for irritation or sensitization when used as intended. Even so every skin is different so patch testing any new product containing Ceteth-23 remains a smart precaution.