Ceteareth-33
Ceteareth-33
- Role
- An emulsifier that helps mix oily ingredients with water.
- Catalog formulas
- 7
- Type
- Texture
- Verified
- 06.11.2026
What does this ingredient do in an antiperspirant?
An ethoxylated blend of cetyl and stearyl alcohols (C16–18) with an average of 33 ethylene oxide units. CosIng classes it as an emulsifying and cleansing surfactant.
Part of a system, not a label in isolation
In the catalog it appears in roll-on emulsions. Its job is a stable, uniform base, not sweat control.
The CIR found ceteareths safe in the present practices of use when formulated to be non-irritating (2012). An earlier assessment noted that ceteareth preparations should not contain 1,4-dioxane or ethylene oxide, which are possible by-products.
The CIR dropped its earlier "do not use on damaged skin" caveat: the concern about PEG penetration applies to severely burned skin. Reactions to a specific product remain individual.
Do not confuse it with Cetearyl Alcohol: that is the parent fatty alcohol, while a ceteareth is its ethoxylated derivative.
Products containing Ceteareth-33
Links are based on the complete published INCI list for the exact product version.
Sources
The conclusions apply to the stated conditions and jurisdictions, not automatically to every concentration or product.
- EU CosIng: CETEARETH-33 Supports: function, substance identity
- CIR: Safety Assessment of Alkyl PEG Ethers as Used in Cosmetics (2012) Supports: safety assessment, non-irritating formulation condition, impurities