What Is Steareth-60 Cetyl Ether?
Steareth-60 Cetyl Ether is a synthetic compound made by linking a fatty alcohol called cetyl alcohol with approximately sixty units of ethylene oxide. The result is a waxy, off-white solid that melts easily and blends well with both oil and water. Chemists first explored this type of ingredient in the mid-20th century while searching for better ways to keep water and oil phases stable in creams and lotions. Over time manufacturers noticed that the high ethoxylation level of Steareth-60 Cetyl Ether gave formulas a smooth, manageable texture, leading to its steady adoption in skin and hair care products.
Production starts with cetyl alcohol, usually sourced from coconut or palm kernel oil. The alcohol is reacted with ethylene oxide in a controlled environment, adding one oxide unit at a time until the desired chain length is reached. The number 60 in the name shows how many of these units are attached, which directly affects how well the molecule can hold water and thicken a mixture.
Because it helps control thickness and spreadability, Steareth-60 Cetyl Ether shows up in a wide range of products. You will most often find it in daily moisturizers, night creams, facial masks, sunscreens, leave-in conditioners, styling creams and anti-aging serums. It is also common in cleansing balms and makeup removers that aim for a rich yet rinse-able feel.
Steareth-60 Cetyl Ether’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient plays one key role in cosmetic formulas.
As a viscosity controlling agent it fine-tunes how thick or thin a product feels, keeping emulsions from separating and giving creams a silky glide. By stabilizing the mixture it helps active ingredients stay evenly dispersed so every application delivers the same performance, and it prevents runny textures that could drip or leak from packaging.
Who Can Use Steareth-60 Cetyl Ether
Steareth-60 Cetyl Ether is generally well tolerated by most skin types including normal, dry, oily and combination skin because it sits on the surface and does not penetrate deeply. Those with very reactive or compromised skin should monitor how their skin feels since any synthetic ingredient can occasionally cause sensitivity in that group.
The cetyl alcohol used to make this compound is usually sourced from coconut or palm plants so products formulated with plant-derived Steareth-60 Cetyl Ether are suitable for vegans and vegetarians. People following a strict cruelty-free lifestyle should still confirm that the finished product and its raw materials were not tested on animals.
Current safety assessments show no specific hazards for pregnant or breastfeeding women when the ingredient is used topically in cosmetic concentrations. This is not medical advice and anyone who is expecting or nursing should run all skincare products past their doctor to be on the safe side.
Steareth-60 Cetyl Ether is not known to increase photosensitivity and it does not interfere with sunscreen actives. It is also odorless so it will not contribute to fragrance-related sensitivities.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Side effects and reactions to topical Steareth-60 Cetyl Ether can vary from person to person. The following is a list of potential issues and most users will not experience them when the ingredient is used correctly in a well-formulated product.
- Mild skin irritation
- Temporary redness or stinging on very sensitive skin
- Contact dermatitis in individuals allergic to polyethylene glycol derivatives
- Follicular clogging if used in extremely high concentrations on acne-prone areas
If any unwanted reaction occurs stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional or dermatologist.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 / 5
Steareth-60 Cetyl Ether is a large, water-affinitive molecule that mainly stays on the skin’s surface and does not readily mix with skin oils. Because it is used at low levels to adjust thickness rather than as an oily emollient, the likelihood of it blocking pores is minimal. For most people, including those who are prone to breakouts, this ingredient is considered low risk.
Formulas heavy in other waxes or butters could still feel occlusive, so pore-clogging potential often depends on the full product, not just this single component.
Summary
Steareth-60 Cetyl Ether is a viscosity controller that stabilizes water-and-oil mixtures, giving creams, lotions and hair products a smooth, even feel. It does this by combining a fatty alcohol backbone with a long chain of ethoxylated units that draw in water, letting the ingredient sit at the interface of oil and water to keep everything blended and at the desired thickness.
It is a formulators’ staple rather than a buzzword ingredient, so you may not see it highlighted on product labels even though it appears in many mainstream moisturizers, sunscreens and leave-in conditioners.
Current safety reviews find it non-sensitizing and non-toxic at the concentrations used in cosmetics. Still, skin can be unpredictable, so it is smart to do a quick patch test when trying any new product that contains Steareth-60 Cetyl Ether.