Ingredient dictionary

Ceteareth-25

Ceteareth-25 is a gentle emulsifier made from cetearyl alcohol, helping oil and water blend into one smooth, stable mix. It is on the label of 7 products in our library. Checked against our library November 6, 2026.

What Ceteareth-25 does

Blends oil and water into one mix
Keeps creams and lotions from separating
Gives products a smooth, even feel

Ceteareth-25 starts with cetearyl alcohol, a waxy blend of fatty alcohols that is often made from plant oils such as coconut or palm. That alcohol is then ethoxylated, which means a chain of ethylene oxide units is chemically attached to it. The 25 in the name is the average number of those units.

Formulators use it because one end of the molecule likes oil and the other likes water. That lets it hold oil and water together so creams stay smooth and lotions do not separate. Because it is nonionic, meaning it carries no electrical charge, it pairs well with many other ingredients. Products built with it usually feel smooth and spread evenly.

Good for

Suits everyday creams, lotions and hair products that need a smooth, stable, well-blended texture.

Frequently asked questions

Is Ceteareth-25 safe for sensitive skin?

It is widely used and generally well tolerated. Like any emulsifier, it can irritate a small number of very sensitive people. If you have sensitive or reactive skin, a patch test on your inner arm before full use is a sensible step.

Is Ceteareth-25 the same as cetearyl alcohol?

No. Cetearyl alcohol is the fatty alcohol base. Ceteareth-25 is that base after it has been ethoxylated, which makes it water-friendly enough to act as an emulsifier. Cetearyl alcohol by itself is mainly a thickener and softener.