Ingredient list › Ceteareth-20
Is Ceteareth-20 comedogenic?
Ceteareth-20 is an emulsifier that keeps oil and water mixed in a formula. Its comedogenicity rating is 4/5 — high pore-clogging risk.
Ceteareth-20 sits high on the comedogenic scale. For acne-prone or breakout-prone skin it is one of the ingredients most likely to block pores and contribute to blackheads, whiteheads and pimples, especially when it appears near the top of an ingredient list (higher concentration).
What is Ceteareth-20?
Ceteareth-20 is an emulsifier that keeps oil and water mixed in a formula. On a product label it may also appear under names such as: ceteareth-20, cetearyl alcohol ceteareth-20.
Fungal-acne (Malassezia) safe? No — this is a common Malassezia (fungal acne) trigger, so avoid it if you have fungal acne. Check a whole product for fungal-acne triggers →
Acne-safe alternatives to Ceteareth-20
If Ceteareth-20 breaks you out, these lower-rated emulsifier options are far less likely to clog pores:
- Cetearyl Glucoside — Acne safe · 0/5
- Polysorbate 20 — Acne safe · 0/5
- Hydrogenated Lecithin — Low risk · 1/5
- PEG-100 Stearate — Low risk · 1/5
- PEG-150 Distearate — Low risk · 1/5
How to read this rating
A comedogenicity rating is general guidance, not a lab result for a specific formula. An ingredient near the end of an ingredient list is present in a small amount, so its rating matters less than one near the top. Read our full sources & methodology.