Cetearyl Wheat Straw Glycosides
INCI: CETEARYL WHEAT STRAW GLYCOSIDES
Reviewed by Daisy · Last updated 2 Jun 2026
A plant-derived emulsifier that helps bind water and oil in formulations
Best For Skin Types
All, Oily, Dry, Combination, Sensitive, Mature, Acne-prone
Usage Frequency
Daily
What Is Cetearyl Wheat Straw Glycosides?
Cetearyl Wheat Straw Glycosides is a plant-derived emulsifier created from wheat straw and fatty alcohols. It belongs to a class of ingredients called glycosides, which are molecules formed by combining a sugar with another compound. In skincare formulations, it serves primarily as an emulsifying agent—a substance that allows water and oil-based ingredients to mix together smoothly and remain stable.
This ingredient is favoured in formulation chemistry because it offers an alternative to synthetic emulsifiers, though its functional role remains the same: to create a consistent texture and prevent separation of incompatible ingredients.
How It Works
Emulsifiers work by positioning themselves at the boundary between water and oil molecules. One end of the emulsifier molecule is hydrophilic (water-loving) and the other is lipophilic (oil-loving), allowing these normally incompatible phases to blend. Cetearyl Wheat Straw Glycosides performs this role, enabling skincare products to have a uniform texture and consistent delivery of active ingredients.
This is a formulation benefit rather than a direct mechanism of action on the skin itself. The ingredient's primary purpose is structural—ensuring the product remains stable and pleasant to apply.
Clinical Evidence & References
As an emulsifier, Cetearyl Wheat Straw Glycosides is evaluated primarily for its safety and efficacy in maintaining product stability rather than for direct skin benefits. It is generally recognised as safe for use in cosmetics and is well-tolerated across skin types.
Limited published research exists on this specific ingredient's direct effects on skin health. Its value lies in enabling well-formulated products rather than in standalone skin-active properties. Any skin benefits would be secondary to the overall formulation's design.
How to Use
This ingredient requires no specific application guidance from a user perspective—it is present in the formulation to benefit the product itself. Simply use your skincare product as directed. The presence of this emulsifier should result in a smooth texture that applies evenly without separation or greasiness.
Safety & Precautions
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Glucoside
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
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
Ceteth-24
A gentle surfactant that cleanses and stabilises formulations
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