Ceteareth-20
Also known as: ceteareth-20, ceteth-20, steareth-20, PEG-20 cetyl/stearyl ether, polyoxyethylene cetyl/stearyl ether
An ethoxylated fatty alcohol used as an emulsifier and surfactant in creams, lotions, and other cosmetic formulations. Like all ethoxylated compounds, ceteareth-20 may be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane (a probable carcinogen) and ethylene oxide (a known carcinogen) from the manufacturing process.
1 = low concern, 10 = avoid
Risk by Usage Frequency
How risk changes depending on how often you use products containing Ceteareth-20.
Low risk from incidental exposure in a single product.
Daily use of products with ethoxylated emulsifiers contributes to cumulative carcinogen contaminant exposure.
Moderate concern. Multiple ethoxylated products compound trace carcinogen exposure over time.
Health Risks
May contain 1,4-dioxane as a manufacturing contaminant, a probable human carcinogen.
EPA — 1,4-dioxane classified as likely carcinogenic to humans
May contain ethylene oxide residues, a known human carcinogen (IARC Group 1).
IARC Monographs — Ethylene oxide
Functions as a penetration enhancer, increasing absorption of other formulation ingredients through the skin.
Global Regulatory Status
How ceteareth-20 is regulated in cosmetics and personal care products around the world.
Why Brands Use Ceteareth-20
Effective oil-in-water emulsifier that creates stable, creamy formulations. Helps blend oil and water phases and improves product texture.
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products in our database
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brands use it
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product categories
Better alternatives exist. Brands choose ceteareth-20 because it's cheap and effective, but safer options like cetearyl olivate/sorbitan olivate (Olivem 1000), glyceryl stearate (non-ethoxylated), beeswax deliver similar results without the health concerns.
Ceteareth-20 in Product Categories
Click a category to see every product containing ceteareth-20 in that category, with full ingredient breakdowns.
Products Containing Ceteareth-20
These popular products list ceteareth-20 in their ingredient labels. Tap any card to see the full ingredient breakdown and safety analysis.
The Worst Offender vs Numbrrrz
Here's how the lowest-scoring product containing ceteareth-20 compares to Numbrrrz.
Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair
Neutrogena
Numbrrrz
Organic Lip Balm
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Safe Alternatives
What Numbrrrz Uses Instead
Numbrrrz uses zero ethoxylated ingredients. Our lip balms use beeswax as a natural emulsifier — no ceteareth-20, no ethoxylation process, and no 1,4-dioxane contamination risk.
