Ingredient review
Hydroxyceteth-60
INCI: Hydroxyceteth-60
A gentle synthetic emulsifier that helps oil and water mix, making creams and lotions smooth and stable.
In plain English
Hydroxyceteth-60 is a man-made ingredient that acts like a bridge between oil and water. In skincare, it prevents products from separating into oily and watery layers, giving you a smooth, uniform cream or lotion. It is considered very mild and unlikely to cause irritation or clog pores, making it a common choice for sensitive skin formulations.
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
Hydroxyceteth-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 Hydroxyceteth-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
Hydroxyceteth-60 is a polyethylene glycol (PEG) derivative of cetyl alcohol, modified to be water-soluble. It belongs to a class of ingredients called emulsifiers, which are essential for creating stable oil-in-water emulsions.
How it works
In a cosmetic product, Hydroxyceteth-60 sits at the boundary between oil and water droplets, reducing surface tension so they can mix evenly. This prevents the product from separating over time and gives it a consistent texture and feel.
Pros
Gentle on skin
Hydroxyceteth-60 has a low irritation risk, making it suitable for sensitive skin and daily-use products.
Improves product texture
It helps create a smooth, uniform cream or lotion that feels pleasant and doesn't separate over time.
Cons and cautions
Synthetic origin
It is a man-made ingredient, which may be a drawback for those seeking fully natural or organic skincare.
Potential trace impurities
As a PEG derivative, it may contain trace levels of ethylene oxide or 1,4-dioxane if not properly purified, though reputable manufacturers ensure safety.
Best for
- Anyone using creams or lotions who wants a stable, non-irritating formula
- People with sensitive or reactive skin
Use caution if
- Those strictly avoiding all synthetic or PEG-based ingredients
Usage tips
Safety summary
Hydroxyceteth-60 is considered safe for cosmetic use at typical concentrations. It has low irritation and comedogenic potential. As with all PEG derivatives, quality control during manufacturing is important to minimize trace impurities.
Research notes
Safety assessments by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) panel have found PEG derivatives like Hydroxyceteth-60 to be safe when formulated properly. No significant human or animal toxicity concerns have been reported at cosmetic use levels.
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 EU CosIng database lists it as a safe emulsifier within standard concentrations.
- Common uses
- Moisturizers, Cleansers, Sunscreens, Serums
- Environmental note
- As a synthetic PEG compound, it may not be readily biodegradable. However, it is used in low concentrations and is generally considered low-risk for aquatic environments.
Good to know
- Hydroxyceteth-60 is often used in combination with other emulsifiers to fine-tune texture.
- It is not a preservative, so products still need a proper preservation system.
Common questions
What is Hydroxyceteth-60 in beauty products?
Hydroxyceteth-60 is a man-made ingredient that acts like a bridge between oil and water. In skincare, it prevents products from separating into oily and watery layers, giving you a smooth, uniform cream or lotion. It is considered very mild and unlikely to cause irritation or clog pores, making it a common choice for sensitive skin formulations.
What does Hydroxyceteth-60 do in a beauty product?
In a cosmetic product, Hydroxyceteth-60 sits at the boundary between oil and water droplets, reducing surface tension so they can mix evenly. This prevents the product from separating over time and gives it a consistent texture and feel.
Is Hydroxyceteth-60 safe for most people?
Hydroxyceteth-60 is considered safe for cosmetic use at typical concentrations. It has low irritation and comedogenic potential. As with all PEG derivatives, quality control during manufacturing is important to minimize trace impurities.
Who should be careful with Hydroxyceteth-60?
Those strictly avoiding all synthetic or PEG-based ingredients
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.