Ingredient review
Ceteareth-27
INCI: Ceteareth-27
Ceteareth-27 is a gentle synthetic emulsifier that helps mix water and oil in creams and cleansers, with a low risk of irritation.
In plain English
Ceteareth-27 is a man-made ingredient that helps water and oil stay mixed together in products like lotions and face washes. It is part of a family of ingredients called emulsifiers, which prevent your cream from separating into watery and oily layers. It also helps cleanse the skin by lifting away dirt and oil. Because it is made from fatty alcohols, it is generally considered mild and unlikely to clog pores or cause irritation for most people.
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-27 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-27.
- 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-27 is a synthetic emulsifier derived from cetearyl alcohol (a blend of fatty alcohols from plant or synthetic sources) that has been reacted with ethylene oxide. The number 27 refers to the average length of the polyethylene glycol chain, which determines its water solubility and mildness.
How it works
In a cosmetic product, Ceteareth-27 sits at the boundary between water and oil droplets, reducing surface tension so they blend into a stable emulsion. This keeps the product smooth and uniform. In cleansers, it also helps surround and lift dirt and oil from the skin so they can be rinsed away with water.
Pros
Gentle emulsifier
Ceteareth-27 is considered mild and is unlikely to cause irritation, making it suitable for daily use in moisturizers and cleansers.
Improves product texture
It helps create a smooth, creamy consistency that feels pleasant on the skin and prevents separation over time.
Cons and cautions
Synthetic production
As a synthetic ingredient, it may not appeal to those seeking fully natural or organic skincare products.
Potential trace contaminant
The manufacturing process can leave trace amounts of 1,4-dioxane, though reputable brands purify to keep levels well below safety limits.
Best for
- People with normal to combination skin looking for gentle cleansers
- Anyone using lotions or creams that need a stable, non-separating texture
Use caution if
- Those with known sensitivity to ethoxylated ingredients (rare)
- Strict natural or organic skincare purists
Usage tips
Safety summary
Ceteareth-27 is considered safe for use in cosmetics at typical concentrations. The main concern is trace 1,4-dioxane from ethoxylation, but reputable manufacturers purify to meet safety standards. Irritation and allergy are rare.
Research notes
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) panel has evaluated ethoxylated alcohols and found them safe as used in cosmetics. No specific studies on Ceteareth-27 alone are prominent, but its class is well-studied and considered low-risk.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- 0.5% to 5%
- Regulatory status
- Approved for use in cosmetics by the FDA and the European Commission, with concentration limits generally not specified due to its low hazard profile.
- Common uses
- Cleansers, Lotions, Creams
- Environmental note
- As a synthetic ethoxylated ingredient, it may have moderate biodegradability; however, it is not classified as a major environmental concern at typical usage levels.
Good to know
- Ceteareth-27 is often used alongside other emulsifiers to fine-tune product texture.
- It is considered safe by major regulatory bodies when used in typical cosmetic concentrations.
Common questions
What is Ceteareth-27 in beauty products?
Ceteareth-27 is a man-made ingredient that helps water and oil stay mixed together in products like lotions and face washes. It is part of a family of ingredients called emulsifiers, which prevent your cream from separating into watery and oily layers. It also helps cleanse the skin by lifting away dirt and oil. Because it is made from fatty alcohols, it is generally considered mild and unlikely to clog pores or cause irritation for most people.
What does Ceteareth-27 do in a beauty product?
In a cosmetic product, Ceteareth-27 sits at the boundary between water and oil droplets, reducing surface tension so they blend into a stable emulsion. This keeps the product smooth and uniform. In cleansers, it also helps surround and lift dirt and oil from the skin so they can be rinsed away with water.
Is Ceteareth-27 safe for most people?
Ceteareth-27 is considered safe for use in cosmetics at typical concentrations. The main concern is trace 1,4-dioxane from ethoxylation, but reputable manufacturers purify to meet safety standards. Irritation and allergy are rare.
Who should be careful with Ceteareth-27?
Those with known sensitivity to ethoxylated ingredients (rare) Strict natural or organic skincare purists
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.