Ceteareth-20

Ceteareth-20 molecular structure

adultsSkin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Is this safe for adults to use Ceteareth 20?

YES - Generally Safe
Danger Score: 2 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Ceteareth 20 is generally considered safe for adults when used in topical products. Adults generally have higher tolerance.

ℹ️General Overview

Ceteareth-20 is a common ingredient in lotions and creams. For adults it is usually safe on normal, unbroken skin. A few people may get irritation or eye stinging. The bigger thing to know is that some batches can be contaminated with small amounts of harmful manufacturing byproducts (called ethylene oxide and 1,4‑dioxane).

What to Do

If you are an adult: use products containing this ingredient on intact skin only; avoid applying to cuts, sunburns, or irritated skin. If you have sensitive skin, do a small patch test on the inside of your forearm and wait 24–48 hours before wider use. Prefer products from brands that say they test for impurities or control for manufacturing contaminants. Stop use if you get redness, burning, swelling or eye irritation.

⚠️Warnings

The ingredient safety reviews flag two main issues: possible contamination with ethylene oxide and 1,4‑dioxane (manufacturing byproducts), and that the ingredient can increase how much other ingredients penetrate the skin (noted by cosmetic ingredient review groups). There is also a low chance of skin or eye irritation. Avoid use on broken or inflamed skin, watch for any irritation after first use, and seek medical care for severe reactions. If you are pregnant or especially worried about impurities, talk with your healthcare provider or choose products that test and publish impurity results.

Confidence: HIGH

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Safety Risk Labels

This ingredient has the following documented risks:

Cancer: The ingredient assessment lists contamination by ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane. Those contaminants are linked to cancer by health authorities, so their presence here is a real cancer concern.
Absorbed: A safety review (Cosmetic Ingredient Review) flags this ingredient as a penetration enhancer. That means it can help other chemicals get through the skin and into the body, raising exposure risk.
Long-Term Risk: Because this ingredient can boost skin absorption and it can be contaminated with harmful chemicals, repeated use could raise health risks over time according to the ingredient assessment and safety review.

Tap or hover over labels to see detailed risk information.

Alternative Names for Ceteareth-20

This ingredient may also be listed as:

ceteareth-20ceteareth 20cetearethCETEARETH-20CETEARETHPOLYOXYETHYLENE (20) CETYL/STEARYL ETHERPOLYETHYLENE GLYCOL 1000 CETYL/STEARYL ETHERPEG-20 CETYL/STEARYL ETHERPEG-20 CETOSTEARYL ALCOHOL

Always check ingredient labels carefully, as ingredients may be listed under different names.

Products Containing Ceteareth-20

This ingredient is found in the following products:

This list shows products that contain Ceteareth-20 or its alternative names.

Common Questions About Ceteareth-20

Is this safe for adults to use Ceteareth-20?

Yes, Ceteareth-20 is generally considered safe for adults based on current research.

What are the cancer risks of Ceteareth-20 for adults?

Connected to cancer risk with long-term or repeated exposure.

What are the absorbed risks of Ceteareth-20 for adults?

Can be absorbed through the skin and get into the bloodstream.

What are the long-term risk risks of Ceteareth-20 for adults?

Linked to long-term health effects after years of use or exposure.

What products contain Ceteareth-20?

Ceteareth-20 is commonly found in skincare products, cosmetics, and topical applications. Always check ingredient labels before use.

When can adults using products with Ceteareth-20?

The appropriate age depends on the specific ingredient properties and concentration. This analysis is for adults. Use the age selector above to check other ages.

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