Ingredient review
Ceteareth-28
INCI: Ceteareth-28
Ceteareth-28 is a gentle emulsifier that helps water and oil mix in your skincare, making creams and cleansers smooth and stable without harshness.
In plain English
Ceteareth-28 is a semi-synthetic ingredient that acts like a bridge between water and oil. In your moisturizer or cleanser, it stops the product from separating into watery and oily layers, so you get a consistent, creamy texture every time. It's considered very mild and is unlikely to cause irritation or clog pores.
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
- semi synthetic
- Evidence
- moderate
- Irritation
- low
- Clogging risk
- low
Quick decision guide
Useful, but context matters
Ceteareth-28 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-28.
- 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-28 is a polyethylene glycol (PEG) ether of cetearyl alcohol, a fatty alcohol mixture. It belongs to the ceteareth family of emulsifiers, which are created by reacting cetearyl alcohol with ethylene oxide. The number 28 indicates the average length of the PEG chain, which influences its water-loving properties.
How it works
In a cosmetic formula, Ceteareth-28 positions itself at the boundary between oil and water droplets. Its water-loving (hydrophilic) head pulls toward water, while its oil-loving (lipophilic) tail embeds in oil. This stabilizes the emulsion, preventing separation and giving the product a smooth, uniform feel.
Pros
Gentle on skin
Ceteareth-28 has a very low irritation risk, making it suitable for sensitive or reactive skin types that may react to stronger emulsifiers.
Improves product texture
It helps create a smooth, creamy consistency in lotions and cleansers, so the product feels pleasant and applies evenly without graininess.
Cons and cautions
Potential impurity concerns
As an ethoxylated ingredient, trace amounts of 1,4-dioxane (a possible carcinogen) can form during manufacturing, though reputable brands purify to safe levels.
Sustainability questions
Ceteareth-28 is often derived from palm oil, which can be linked to deforestation unless sourced from certified sustainable suppliers.
Best for
- People with normal to dry skin looking for a stable, non-irritating moisturizer
- Anyone who prefers gentle, low-risk emulsifiers in their skincare routine
Use caution if
- Those who strictly avoid PEG-derived ingredients due to personal preference or ethical concerns
Usage tips
Safety summary
Ceteareth-28 is considered safe for use in cosmetics at typical concentrations. The main concern is trace impurities from ethoxylation, but these are controlled by good manufacturing practices. It is non-irritating and non-comedogenic for most people.
Research notes
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) panel has evaluated ceteareth compounds and found them safe as used in cosmetics. Studies show low acute toxicity and minimal skin irritation. No significant evidence links it to long-term health risks when properly purified.
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 typically not specified due to its low hazard profile.
- Common uses
- Cleansers, Lotions, Creams, Shampoos
- Environmental note
- Ceteareth-28 is biodegradable under standard conditions, but its production from palm oil may have environmental impacts unless certified sustainable.
Good to know
- The number 28 in Ceteareth-28 refers to the average number of ethylene oxide units, which affects how water-loving the ingredient is.
- Ceteareth-28 is considered non-comedogenic and is unlikely to clog pores.
Common questions
What is Ceteareth-28 in beauty products?
Ceteareth-28 is a semi-synthetic ingredient that acts like a bridge between water and oil. In your moisturizer or cleanser, it stops the product from separating into watery and oily layers, so you get a consistent, creamy texture every time. It's considered very mild and is unlikely to cause irritation or clog pores.
What does Ceteareth-28 do in a beauty product?
In a cosmetic formula, Ceteareth-28 positions itself at the boundary between oil and water droplets. Its water-loving (hydrophilic) head pulls toward water, while its oil-loving (lipophilic) tail embeds in oil. This stabilizes the emulsion, preventing separation and giving the product a smooth, uniform feel.
Is Ceteareth-28 safe for most people?
Ceteareth-28 is considered safe for use in cosmetics at typical concentrations. The main concern is trace impurities from ethoxylation, but these are controlled by good manufacturing practices. It is non-irritating and non-comedogenic for most people.
Who should be careful with Ceteareth-28?
Those who strictly avoid PEG-derived ingredients due to personal preference or ethical concerns
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.