Last reviewed May 2026 · 1 min read
Is Ceteareth-20 vegan?
Check the Label
Source can be plant or animal.
See all check label ingredients →
It depends — It is made from cetearyl alcohol, which can be derived from either vegetable oils or animal fats.
01 · The basics
What is Ceteareth-20?
A high-performance emulsifier used to stabilize oil-in-water emulsions in cosmetics.
02 · The source
Where it comes from
It is made from cetearyl alcohol, which can be derived from either vegetable oils or animal fats. Sourcing is usually not disclosed on the label.
03 · Alternatives
Best vegan alternatives
Plant-derived emulsifiers
Check Price on AmazonAffiliate links — VegOmm may earn a commission from qualifying purchases.
Frequently asked
FAQ
Is Ceteareth-20 vegan?
It is a gray area. Most modern cosmetic companies use vegetable-derived fatty alcohols, but animal sources are still used in the industry.
Is it safe for the skin?
It is considered safe, though it should not be used on broken or damaged skin due to potential penetration of other ingredients.
Commonly found in
More in this category
Other emulsifier ingredients
E422 (Glycerol / Glycerin)
A sweet, syrupy liquid used as a humectant in foods and cosmetics.
E471 (Mono- and diglycerides)
A common emulsifier used in baked goods, ice cream, and margarine.
E481 (Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate)
An emulsifier used to improve the texture of baked goods.
Keep exploring
Related ingredients
E422 (Glycerol / Glycerin)
A sweet, syrupy liquid used as a humectant in foods and cosmetics.
E920 (L-Cysteine)
A dough conditioner used in commercial bread baking.
Calcium Carbonate
A common mineral used as a white food coloring, an anti-caking agent, and a calcium supplement.
What's next