Ingredient review

Ceteareth-60 Myristyl Glycol

INCI: CETEARETH-60 MYRISTYL GLYCOL

A reliable emulsifier that helps create stable, creamy textures, but may feel heavy on very oily skin.

beautyskincareemulsifier

In plain English

This ingredient is a helper molecule that allows water and oil to mix together in a product. Without it, your lotion or cream would separate into watery and oily layers. It also helps the product spread smoothly on your skin and can make the texture feel richer or more luxurious.

Review score

Safety, usefulness, and evidence

4.0Good
4.0/ 5

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
How reviews are scored

Quick decision guide

Useful, but context matters

Ceteareth-60 Myristyl Glycol 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.

  1. Step 1Start with the score, then check the irritation and clogging risk before judging Ceteareth-60 Myristyl Glycol.
  2. Step 2Use the "Best for" and "Use caution if" sections to match the ingredient to your skin, not just to a marketing claim.
  3. 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

low

Less likely to sting, burn, or bother most users, though sensitive skin can still react.

Clogging risk

low

Less likely to feel heavy or contribute to clogged pores for most skin types.

Evidence level

moderate

There is useful support, but formula details and claim strength still matter.

What it is

Ceteareth-60 Myristyl Glycol is a synthetic emulsifier made by reacting cetearyl alcohol (a fatty alcohol) with ethylene oxide and myristyl glycol. It belongs to the ceteareth family of emulsifiers, which are widely used in cosmetics to stabilize oil-in-water emulsions.

How it works

It works by reducing the surface tension between oil and water, allowing them to form a stable, uniform mixture. When applied to skin, it helps the product spread evenly and can leave a light, non-greasy film that supports moisturization.

Pros

Stable emulsions

Prevents your cream or lotion from separating, so you get a consistent texture every time you use it.

Smooth application

Helps the product glide on skin without pilling or leaving a tacky residue.

Cons and cautions

Potential heaviness

On very oily or acne-prone skin, the rich texture may feel too heavy or contribute to clogged pores.

Synthetic origin

Made from petrochemical-derived ethylene oxide, which may be a concern for those seeking natural-only ingredients.

Best for

  • People with normal to dry skin looking for rich, stable creams
  • Anyone who wants a reliable emulsifier in their routine

Use caution if

  • Those with extremely oily skin who prefer lightweight, gel-based formulas

Usage tips

Use in oil-in-water emulsions for best stability.
Combine with other lightweight emulsifiers if targeting oily skin types.
Store products containing this ingredient in a cool, dry place to maintain emulsion integrity.

Safety summary

Ceteareth-60 Myristyl Glycol is considered safe for topical use at typical cosmetic concentrations. It has low irritation and comedogenic potential, though individuals with very sensitive skin should patch test first.

Research notes

Research on ceteareth compounds indicates they are mild and effective emulsifiers. The CIR panel has concluded that ceteareth ingredients are safe in current usage patterns. No significant toxicity or sensitization has been reported in cosmetic use.

Common label clues

Typical concentration
1–5%
Regulatory status
Approved for use in cosmetics in the EU, US, and many other regions. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) panel has reviewed ceteareth compounds and found them safe as used.
Common uses
Cleansers, Moisturizers, Lotions, Creams
Environmental note
As a synthetic ingredient, its production relies on petrochemicals. It is not readily biodegradable, so environmental persistence is a consideration.

Good to know

  • Ceteareth-60 Myristyl Glycol is often used in combination with other emulsifiers to fine-tune texture.
  • It is considered safe for use in cosmetics by major regulatory bodies at typical concentrations.

Common questions

What is Ceteareth-60 Myristyl Glycol in beauty products?

This ingredient is a helper molecule that allows water and oil to mix together in a product. Without it, your lotion or cream would separate into watery and oily layers. It also helps the product spread smoothly on your skin and can make the texture feel richer or more luxurious.

What does Ceteareth-60 Myristyl Glycol do in a beauty product?

It works by reducing the surface tension between oil and water, allowing them to form a stable, uniform mixture. When applied to skin, it helps the product spread evenly and can leave a light, non-greasy film that supports moisturization.

Is Ceteareth-60 Myristyl Glycol safe for most people?

Ceteareth-60 Myristyl Glycol is considered safe for topical use at typical cosmetic concentrations. It has low irritation and comedogenic potential, though individuals with very sensitive skin should patch test first.

Who should be careful with Ceteareth-60 Myristyl Glycol?

Those with extremely oily skin who prefer lightweight, gel-based formulas

Research sources

Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) – Safety Assessment of Ceteareth CompoundsOpenPubChem – Ceteareth-60OpenEuropean Chemicals Agency (ECHA) – Ceteareth-60 Myristyl GlycolOpen

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.