Ceteareth-25
Reviewed by Kate · Last updated 18 Aug 2026
Fatty alcohol that functions as an emulsifier and surfactant
EWG Safety Score
What Is Ceteareth-25?
Ceteareth-25 is a fatty alcohol that functions as an emulsifier and surfactant in cosmetics. Ceteareth-25 also helps to keep ingredients soluble within a formula, allowing them to remain dispersed evenly throughout an emulsion. This ingredient is one of several ceteareths deemed safe as used in cosmetics. Concentration ranges from 1.3–10% depending on the type of formula and desired aesthetics; lower amounts may also be used, especially if ceteareth-25 is part of a blend.
Clinical Evidence & References
Published Research
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Clujul Medical, April 2017, pages 212–219 [URL_NOT_FOUND] Clujul Medical, 2017
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International Journal of Toxicology, April 1999, pages 41–49 [URL_NOT_FOUND] International Journal of Toxicology, 1999
From the Clinic
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Ceteareth-25 is a variant of Ceteareth-20, the form you will most often see on an ingredients list.
Fatty (non-irritating) alcohol often used to thicken/enhance the texture of skin care formulas
Related Ingredients
Ceteareth-20
Fatty (non-irritating) alcohol often used to thicken/enhance the texture of skin care formulas
Ceteareth-12
A plant-derived emulsifier that stabilises skincare formulations
Ceteareth-22
A synthetic emulsifier that stabilises water and oil-based formulations
Ceteareth-3
An emulsifier that helps blend oil and water-based ingredients into stable formulations
Ceratonia Siliqua Gum
A plant-derived thickener that stabilises emulsions and enhances product texture
Ceteareth-6 Olivate
Mixture of a derivative of fatty alcohol cetearyl alcohol and a fatty acid from olives | Works to make emulsions stable
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