EWG Safety Score
What Is Cetyl Glyceryl Ether?
Cetyl glyceryl ether is a synthetic or plant-derived emollient made from glycerin and the fatty alcohol cetyl alcohol. Chemically, it’s an ether, a compound possessing carbon-oxygen-carbon bonds that can also have solvent properties.\n\nThis ingredient has no color or discernible odor and is soluble in both water and oil, giving it helpful versatility. It’s considered safe for skin and may be listed as chimyl alcohol.\n\nUse levels of cetyl glyceryl ether in cosmetics ranges from 0.1–5% depending on formulary needs and desired aesthetics. It’s almost always used with other emollients and emulsifiers to create a given product’s distinctive texture and help enhance stability (such as preventing separation of the water and oil phases).\n\nCetyl glyceryl ether is considered safe as used in cosmetics.
Clinical Evidence & References
Published Research
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International Journal of Toxicology, September-October 2013, pages 5S–23S International Journal of Toxicology, 2013
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National Library of Medicine, PubChem, Accessed February 2024, Webpage National Library of Medicine, 2024
From the Clinic
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Cetearyl Isononanoate
A lightweight emollient that conditions skin and hair without leaving residue
Cetyl Caprylate
A lightweight emollient that conditions and softens skin without heaviness
Cetyl Ethylhexanoate
Ester of cetyl alcohol and 2-ethylhexanoic acid | Emollient that helps skin retain moisture
Cetyl Lactate
A lightweight emollient derived from lactic acid that conditions and softens the skin
Cetyl Ricinoleate
A gentle emollient derived from castor oil that conditions and softens the skin
Cetyl Stearate
A waxy emollient that softens skin and helps stabilise cosmetic formulations
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