Is Ceteareth-20 Comedogenic?
Comedogenic rating: 4/5 — Likely to clog pores
Ceteareth-20 is an emulsifier that binds the oil and water phases of a formula together. In cosmetics it is typically found in lotions, creams and cleansing products. On a label it may also appear as ceteareth 20.
| Comedogenic rating | 4/5 — Likely to clog pores |
|---|---|
| Pore-clogging | Likely |
| Fungal-acne safe | Yes |
| Category | Emulsifier |
| Also known as | ceteareth 20 |
Is Ceteareth-20 comedogenic?
Yes — Ceteareth-20 is considered highly comedogenic, scoring 4 out of 5. That means it has a strong tendency to block pores and is a well-known trigger for closed comedones, blackheads and breakouts on acne-prone skin. If your skin is oily or congestion-prone, Ceteareth-20 is one of the ingredients most worth avoiding in leave-on facial products, though it can still be fine in short-contact rinse-off products or on the body.
Does Ceteareth-20 cause fungal acne?
Ceteareth-20 is generally considered fungal-acne (Malassezia) safe. It is not among the oils, fatty acids or polysorbates known to feed Malassezia yeast, so it should not aggravate fungal acne (Malassezia folliculitis) for most people.
Should you use Ceteareth-20 if you're acne-prone?
If you are acne-prone, it is safest to keep Ceteareth-20 away from your face in leave-on products. It can still be useful for dry body skin, hair, or in cleansers where it is quickly rinsed off. Normal and dry skin types often tolerate it without issue.
How Ceteareth-20 compares to other emulsifiers
| Ingredient | Rating | Pore-clogging |
|---|---|---|
| Ceteareth-20 | 4/5 | Likely |
| Polysorbate 20 | 0/5 | Unlikely |
| Polysorbate 80 | 0/5 | Unlikely |
| Glyceryl Stearate | 1/5 | Unlikely |
| Glyceryl Stearate SE | 3/5 | Likely |
| PEG-16 Lanolin | 4/5 | Likely |
| Propylene Glycol Monostearate | 4/5 | Likely |
Frequently asked questions
Is Ceteareth-20 comedogenic?
Yes — Ceteareth-20 is considered highly comedogenic, scoring 4 out of 5. That means it has a strong tendency to block pores and is a well-known trigger for closed comedones, blackheads and breakouts on acne-prone skin. If your skin is oily or congestion-prone, Ceteareth-20 is one of the ingredients most worth avoiding in leave-on facial products, though it can still be fine in short-contact rinse-off products or on the body.
Does Ceteareth-20 cause fungal acne?
Ceteareth-20 is generally considered fungal-acne (Malassezia) safe. It is not among the oils, fatty acids or polysorbates known to feed Malassezia yeast, so it should not aggravate fungal acne (Malassezia folliculitis) for most people.
Is Ceteareth-20 safe for acne-prone skin?
If you are acne-prone, it is safest to keep Ceteareth-20 away from your face in leave-on products. It can still be useful for dry body skin, hair, or in cleansers where it is quickly rinsed off. Normal and dry skin types often tolerate it without issue.
What products is Ceteareth-20 found in?
Ceteareth-20 is an emulsifier that binds the oil and water phases of a formula together, and is commonly found in lotions, creams and cleansing products.
What can I use instead of Ceteareth-20?
Look for non-comedogenic emollients rated 0–1 such as squalane, glycerin, hemp seed oil or sunflower oil.
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