Emulsifier

Ceteareth-6 Olivate

Reviewed by Kate · Last updated 18 Aug 2026

Also known as: Hydrogenated Olive Oil, Cetyl Alcohol

Mixture of a derivative of fatty alcohol cetearyl alcohol and a fatty acid from olives | Works to make emulsions stable

Addresses

Dehydration

What Is Ceteareth-6 Olivate?

Cetearth-6 olivate is a mixture of a derivative of fatty alcohol cetearyl alcohol and a fatty acid from olives. It works to make emulsions stable and offers skin-smoothing emollient properties. It is often used in soaps and shampoos because of its ability to attract both oil and water.

According to one of its suppliers, in its raw form it is a white, waxy solid. Typical usage levels in rinse-off or leave-on products ranges from 2–4%.

Clinical Evidence & References

Published Research

  • CosmeticsInfo.org, Accessed December 2021, ePublication []
  • HallStar, Accessed December 2021, ePublication []
  • International Journal of Molecular Sciences, January 2018, pages 1–21 []
  • PLoS One, September 2012, pages 1–6 []

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Part of a family

Ceteareth-6 Olivate is a variant of PEG-4 Olivate, the form you will most often see on an ingredients list.

A plant-derived emulsifier that helps bind water and oil in skincare formulations

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