Ingredient review
Ceteareth-60
INCI: Ceteareth-60
Ceteareth-60 is a reliable synthetic emulsifier that helps mix water and oil, but it may be too rich for very oily or acne-prone skin in high concentrations.
In plain English
Ceteareth-60 is a man-made ingredient that helps water and oil stay mixed together in products like lotions and creams. Think of it as a peacekeeper that stops your moisturizer from separating into watery and oily layers. It also helps cleanse by allowing dirt and oil to rinse away with water. While it's generally gentle, formulas with high amounts can feel heavy on very oily skin.
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-60 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-60.
- 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-60 is a polyethylene glycol (PEG) derivative of cetearyl alcohol, a fatty alcohol. It belongs to the ceteareth family of emulsifiers, where the number '60' indicates the length of the PEG chain, making it more water-soluble and able to stabilize thicker emulsions.
How it works
Ceteareth-60 has both water-loving (hydrophilic) and oil-loving (lipophilic) parts. When added to a formula, it positions itself at the boundary between oil and water droplets, reducing surface tension so they blend into a stable, creamy emulsion. This prevents separation and gives products a smooth, uniform texture.
Pros
Effective stabilizer
Ceteareth-60 keeps oil and water mixed in creams and lotions, so you get a consistent product every time without shaking or stirring.
Improves product feel
It gives a smooth, non-gritty texture that spreads easily on skin, making application pleasant and even.
Cons and cautions
May feel heavy on oily skin
In high concentrations, it can leave a greasy residue that might clog pores or feel uncomfortable for those with very oily skin.
Synthetic origin
As a PEG derivative, it is made from petroleum-based materials, which some consumers prefer to avoid for environmental or personal reasons.
Best for
- People with normal to dry skin who use rich creams
- Anyone using thick sunscreens or body lotions that need stable texture
Use caution if
- Those with very oily or acne-prone skin who prefer lightweight, gel-based formulas
Usage tips
Safety summary
Ceteareth-60 is considered safe for use in cosmetics at typical concentrations. It has low irritation and comedogenic potential, though very high concentrations may feel heavy on oily skin. No major safety concerns have been reported in regulatory reviews.
Research notes
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) panel has reviewed ceteareth compounds and concluded they are safe as used in cosmetics. Most evidence comes from industry safety data and formulation studies rather than independent clinical trials.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- 0.5% to 5%
- Regulatory status
- Approved for use in cosmetics in the US, EU, and many other regions. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) panel has evaluated ceteareth compounds and found them safe at typical use levels.
- Common uses
- Cleansers, Moisturizers, Sunscreens, Hair care
- Environmental note
- As a synthetic PEG derivative, ceteareth-60 is not biodegradable and may persist in water systems. Some manufacturers are moving toward plant-based alternatives.
Good to know
- The number '60' in ceteareth-60 refers to the length of the PEG chain, which affects how water-soluble the emulsifier is.
- Ceteareth-60 is often used in sunscreens to help distribute UV filters evenly.
Common questions
What is Ceteareth-60 in beauty products?
Ceteareth-60 is a man-made ingredient that helps water and oil stay mixed together in products like lotions and creams. Think of it as a peacekeeper that stops your moisturizer from separating into watery and oily layers. It also helps cleanse by allowing dirt and oil to rinse away with water. While it's generally gentle, formulas with high amounts can feel heavy on very oily skin.
What does Ceteareth-60 do in a beauty product?
Ceteareth-60 has both water-loving (hydrophilic) and oil-loving (lipophilic) parts. When added to a formula, it positions itself at the boundary between oil and water droplets, reducing surface tension so they blend into a stable, creamy emulsion. This prevents separation and gives products a smooth, uniform texture.
Is Ceteareth-60 safe for most people?
Ceteareth-60 is considered safe for use in cosmetics at typical concentrations. It has low irritation and comedogenic potential, though very high concentrations may feel heavy on oily skin. No major safety concerns have been reported in regulatory reviews.
Who should be careful with Ceteareth-60?
Those with very oily or acne-prone skin who prefer lightweight, gel-based formulas
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.