Cetearyl Glucoside
Reviewed by Emma · Last updated 18 Aug 2026
Also known as: Cetearyl Alcohol, Glucose
Blend of cetearyl alcohol and glucose that functions primarily as an emulsifier in cosmetics | Can also be used to enhance formulary texture and deliver softening properties for skin
Addresses
EWG Safety Score
Cetearyl Glucoside products at Skintique
View all →
What Is Cetearyl Glucoside?
Cetearyl glucoside is a blend of cetearyl alcohol and glucose that functions primarily as an emulsifier in cosmetic formulas. It can be derived naturally or synthetically.
In addition to the emulsifying properties, cetearyl glucoside can also be used to enhance formulary texture and lend skin-softening emollience.
Suppliers of this ingredient describe it as ivory-colored pellets in raw material form.
Cetearyl glucoside has a proven track record of safety in cosmetic use, including a seal of approval from the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel. Their assessment looked at products using up to 3% concentration, although lower amounts (around 1%) are typically what’s used to form an emulsion.
Clinical Evidence & References
Published Research
-
Parchem.com, Accessed October 2021, ePublication [URL:https://www.parchem.com/cetearyl-glucoside-093388.aspx]
-
International Journal of Cosmetic Science, January 2014, pages 79-87 [URL:https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/ics.12099]
-
International Journal of Toxicology, 2013, pages 22S-48S [URL:https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1091581813497764]
-
Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, June 2009, pages 2,073-2,090 [URL:https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/jps.21591]
-
Colloid Polymer Science, September 2004, pages 439-451 [URL:https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00396-004-1174-4]
Frequently Asked Questions
From the Clinic
Not sure what your skin actually needs?
Two minutes, a few questions, and we’ll point you at what matters — no guesswork.
Take the skin quizRelated Ingredients
Ceteareth-3
An emulsifier that helps blend oil and water-based ingredients into stable formulations
Ceteareth-6 Olivate
Mixture of a derivative of fatty alcohol cetearyl alcohol and a fatty acid from olives | Works to make emulsions stable
Ceteareth-60 Myristyl Glycol
A synthetic emulsifier that stabilises oil and water in skincare formulations
Cetearyl Wheat Straw Glycosides
A plant-derived emulsifier that helps bind water and oil in formulations
Ceteth-10
A gentle emulsifier that helps blend oil and water-based ingredients in skincare formulations
Ceteth-20
A surfactant that helps formulations cleanse and blend oils with water
Learn More About Skincare Ingredients
Explore our comprehensive ingredient glossary to understand what's in your products.
Browse All IngredientsShop Our Products
Find professional skincare solutions at Skintique.