Ingredient guide · C

Ceteareth-25

Ceteareth-25 is a mild, plant-derived emulsifier and surfactant commonly used in British skincare and haircare to help blend oils and water into smooth, stable creams and lotions.

Ceteareth-25 — Ceteareth-25 is produced by reacting cetearyl alcohol (derived from coconut or palm oil… | UK Lips ingredient guide

How it works in skincare

In cosmetics, Ceteareth-25 works by reducing the surface tension between oil and water phases, allowing them to mix thoroughly and form elegant, non-greasy emulsions that feel light on the skin. It also functions as a stabiliser and thickening agent, improving the texture and shelf-life of moisturisers, cleansers, hair conditioners and sunscreens while helping active ingredients disperse evenly.

Key benefits

  • Creates smooth, stable cream textures
  • Improves product spreadability
  • Helps blend oil and water-based ingredients
  • Enhances the feel of hair conditioners
  • Supports even distribution of actives
  • Contributes to long-lasting product stability

Best for

normal skin, dry skin, combination skin, sensitive skin

Where it comes from

Ceteareth-25 is produced by reacting cetearyl alcohol (derived from coconut or palm oil) with ethylene oxide. The resulting compound is a synthetic ethoxylated fatty alcohol that is widely used in the UK beauty industry.

Products with Ceteareth-25

Not every product on UK Lips lists a full ingredient breakdown — so there may be many more formulas that contain Ceteareth-25 than we can show here. These are the comparisons where we’ve confirmed it in the listed ingredients.

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