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Ceteth-20

Ceteth-20Barrier

A nonionic surfactant used to emulsify oil and water and to solubilize oily ingredients.

What it does

Ceteth-20 is cetyl alcohol reacted with ethylene oxide, which makes it part water-loving and part oil-loving. It blends oil and water into a stable emulsion and can dissolve small amounts of oily ingredients into a water base, so it is used as an emulsifier and solubilizer. It is a formulation ingredient rather than a skin active.

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