Cetearyl Alcohol and Ceteareth-25 are INCI names, i.e. International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients, of two chemical ingredients classified as emulsifiers. In terms of chemical structure, they are a mixture of cetearyl alcohol and ethoxylated cetearyl alcohol, also known as 25TE. Such a designation indicates that cetearyl alcohol was formed as a result of ethoxylation by twenty-five moles of ethylene oxide. The mixture is completely biodegradable, which means that it breaks down into simple substances – organic and inorganic compounds that occur in the natural environment and do not pose a threat to it. Cetearyl Alcohol and Ceteareth-25 are obtained on an industrial scale from natural palm oil. Such a raw material can be certified under the RSPO Mass Balance model.

This certification confirms that the palm oil used to produce the derivatives contained in the final product comes from plantations that do not cause the depletion of natural resources. At the same time, its production respects the rights of the people living in the areas where oil palms are grown. Due to its origin, it can be used as an ingredient in vegan cosmetics. Cetearyl Alcohol and Ceteareth-25 in the form of a mixture does not cause irritation or allergic reactions.

Properties and application

Cetearyl Alcohol and Ceteareth-25 as a chemical mixture has emulsifying and moisturising properties. They act as the O/W emulsifier, i.e. oil in water, causing the formation of an emulsion in which tiny oil droplets are dispersed in a continuous phase – water. Such emulsions are widely used because they are characterised by light consistency and rapid absorption by the skin and hair. The mixture of Cetearyl Alcohol and Ceteareth-25 is highly stable in a very wide pH range, which allows its properties to be used in many cosmetics, not only in skin care products, but also in specialised cosmetics. In cleansing and skin care cosmetics, it acts as a conditioner and emollient. It prevents excessive evaporation of water from the surface by forming an occlusive protective layer and softens and smoothes the surface to which it is applied. Thanks to its protective properties against dehydration, the addition of Cetearyl Alcohol and Ceteareth-25 mixture is also an excellent combination with anionic surfactants, which tend to dry out.

This mixture is a non-ionic surfactant and can be used as a stand-alone cleaning agent or with other surfactants: non-ionic, anionic and cationic. The positive characteristics of the mixture as a component of cosmetic formulas also include excellent foaming properties and the possibility of modifying rheology. These properties facilitate the foaming of cleaning agents and improve the consistency of the manufactured products. By influencing the slip and viscosity of the formula, it is possible to produce creams, lotions and conditioners tailored to specific needs. Thanks to the properties discussed above, the mixture of Cetearyl Alcohol and Ceteareth-25 is a commonly used ingredient in a wide range of cosmetics, such as shampoos, conditioners, hair serums and masks, hair colouring products, body and face creams (also for sensitive skin and children), anti-wrinkle creams, sunscreens, depilatory creams, lotions, face and body scrubs, make-up bases, foundations, mascaras, cleansing foams and shower gels.