Ingredient review
Ceteareth-22
INCI: Ceteareth-22
A reliable emulsifier that keeps your creams and lotions smooth and stable, with a low risk of irritation.
In plain English
Ceteareth-22 is a synthetic ingredient that helps water and oil mix together in your skincare products. Without it, your moisturizer would separate into watery and oily layers. It's a gentle emulsifier that's widely used in creams and lotions to give them a smooth, uniform texture.
Review score
Safety, usefulness, and evidence
Potentially useful with some tradeoffs
The evidence base is useful, but some claims depend heavily on the formula.
Risk flags are low for most users, though the finished product can still irritate.
- Source
- synthetic
- Evidence
- moderate
- Irritation
- low
- Clogging risk
- low
Quick decision guide
Useful, but context matters
Ceteareth-22 is generally a lower-concern ingredient when the full formula suits your skin.
Plain-English read
Treat this as a practical screening step before you compare products that contain this ingredient.
- Step 1Start with the score, then check the irritation and clogging risk before judging Ceteareth-22.
- Step 2Use the "Best for" and "Use caution if" sections to match the ingredient to your skin, not just to a marketing claim.
- Step 3If a product stings, breaks you out, or worsens irritation, judge the finished formula and stop using it even if the ingredient scores well.
Score terms in plain English
Irritation risk
lowLess likely to sting, burn, or bother most users, though sensitive skin can still react.
Clogging risk
lowLess likely to feel heavy or contribute to clogged pores for most skin types.
Evidence level
moderateThere is useful support, but formula details and claim strength still matter.
What it is
Ceteareth-22 is a polyethylene glycol (PEG) derivative of cetearyl alcohol, a fatty alcohol. It belongs to the ceteareth family of emulsifiers, which are created by adding ethylene oxide to fatty alcohols. The number 22 indicates the average length of the polyethylene glycol chain.
How it works
Ceteareth-22 has both water-loving (hydrophilic) and oil-loving (lipophilic) parts. When added to a formula, it positions itself at the boundary between water and oil droplets, reducing surface tension and allowing them to form a stable, uniform mixture. This prevents separation and gives the product a consistent texture.
Pros
Effective stabilizer
Ceteareth-22 keeps oil and water mixed together, so your moisturizer stays smooth and doesn't separate over time.
Gentle on skin
It has a low irritation risk and is well-tolerated by most skin types, including sensitive skin.
Cons and cautions
Synthetic origin
It is made from petroleum-derived ethylene oxide, which may be a concern if you prefer natural or plant-based ingredients.
Trace impurity potential
During manufacturing, trace amounts of 1,4-dioxane (a possible contaminant) can form, though levels are strictly regulated and considered safe in finished products.
Best for
- Anyone using creams or lotions who wants a stable, smooth product
- People with normal to dry skin looking for a gentle emulsifier
Use caution if
- Those who strictly avoid PEG-derived ingredients or synthetic emulsifiers
Usage tips
Safety summary
Ceteareth-22 is considered safe for use in cosmetics at typical concentrations. The main concern is the potential for trace contamination with 1,4-dioxane, but regulatory limits ensure consumer safety. It has low irritation and comedogenic risks.
Research notes
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) panel has evaluated ceteareth compounds and found them safe for use in cosmetics. Studies show low skin irritation and sensitization potential. No significant health risks have been identified when used as intended.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- 1% to 5%
- Regulatory status
- Approved for use in cosmetics by the FDA and the European Commission. Trace levels of 1,4-dioxane are regulated to safe limits.
- Common uses
- Moisturizers, Cleansers, Lotions, Creams
- Environmental note
- As a synthetic PEG derivative, it is not biodegradable and may persist in the environment. Some manufacturers are moving toward more eco-friendly alternatives.
Good to know
- Ceteareth-22 is often used alongside other emulsifiers to create a more stable formula.
- The number 22 refers to the average length of the PEG chain, which affects how water-loving the ingredient is.
Common questions
What is Ceteareth-22 in beauty products?
Ceteareth-22 is a synthetic ingredient that helps water and oil mix together in your skincare products. Without it, your moisturizer would separate into watery and oily layers. It's a gentle emulsifier that's widely used in creams and lotions to give them a smooth, uniform texture.
What does Ceteareth-22 do in a beauty product?
Ceteareth-22 has both water-loving (hydrophilic) and oil-loving (lipophilic) parts. When added to a formula, it positions itself at the boundary between water and oil droplets, reducing surface tension and allowing them to form a stable, uniform mixture. This prevents separation and gives the product a consistent texture.
Is Ceteareth-22 safe for most people?
Ceteareth-22 is considered safe for use in cosmetics at typical concentrations. The main concern is the potential for trace contamination with 1,4-dioxane, but regulatory limits ensure consumer safety. It has low irritation and comedogenic risks.
Who should be careful with Ceteareth-22?
Those who strictly avoid PEG-derived ingredients or synthetic emulsifiers
Research sources
Ingredient reviews are educational and are not medical advice. Patch test new products and ask a licensed clinician about persistent irritation, allergies, pregnancy-specific questions, or diagnosed skin conditions.