Ceteth-1
What is it?
The Ceteth ingredients (Ceteth-1, -2, -3, -4, -5, -6, -10, -12, -14, -15, -16, -20, -24, -25, -30 and -45) range from liquids to waxy solids. In cosmetics and personal care products, Ceteth ingredients are used in the formulation of hair dyes and colors, hair conditioners, permanent waves and other hair care products, as well as makeup foundations, cleansing products and other skin care products.
Safety Information
The safety of Ceteth-1 to -45 has been assessed by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel. The CIR Expert Panel evaluated the scientific data and concluded that Ceteth-1, -2, -3, -4, -5, -6, -10, -12, -14, -15, -16, -20, -24, -25, -30 and -45 were safe in the present practices of use.
Why is it used in cosmetics and personal care products?
The Ceteth ingredients help other ingredients to dissolve in a solvent in which they would not normally dissolve. Ceteths also help to form emulsions by reducing the surface tension of the substances to be emulsified and they clean the skin and hair by helping water to mix with oil and dirt so that they these substances can be rinsed away.
Scientific facts:
The Ceteths are prepared by reacting ethylene oxide with cetyl alcohol where the numerical value in the name corresponds to the average number of moles of ethylene oxide. For example, Ceteth-2 is prepared by reacting an average of 2 moles of ethylene oxide with cetyl alcohol.
