Ingredient

Ceteth-1

Mid risk

Also known asPEG-1 cetyl ether, polyoxyethylene (1) cetyl ether, cetyl alcohol ethoxylate

FunctionEmulsifier

What it is — Ceteth-1 is cetyl alcohol (a C16 fatty alcohol) reacted with, on average, one unit of ethylene oxide. That single PEG unit makes it slightly more water-friendly than plain cetyl alcohol while keeping it mostly oil-loving, so it sits at the oil-water interface.

What it does — It is a low-HLB emulsifier and co-emulsifier: it helps hold the oil and water phases of a cream together, gives body and a smooth cushiony texture, and helps disperse oils and dyes evenly through a colour formula.

Typical use — Conditioners, colour creams, colour-depositing shampoos and hair masks, usually paired with a more water-soluble partner such as Ceteth-40. In the GDS Hair Dye Shampoo it is declared in the Brown and Dark Brown formulas.

Who it suits / good to know — It is not an active in any sense; you will not feel it on the hair beyond the texture of the product. It is not a sulfate and is not a primary cleanser.

Safety — The US Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) has assessed the ceteth family (Ceteth-1 through Ceteth-45) as safe for use in cosmetics provided manufacturers minimise the process impurities 1,4-dioxane and ethylene oxide. Those impurities, not the emulsifier itself, are the reason DHALIORA grades PEG-type ingredients mid rather than low. Ceteth-1 is a mild ingredient at use levels; rinse thoroughly and keep out of the eyes. This is general information, not medical advice.

Why we grade it Mid: Mid risk — a PEG-type ethoxylated emulsifier; the ingredient itself is low in hazard, but the ethoxylation process can leave trace 1,4-dioxane and ethylene oxide, so quality depends on the manufacturer's purification.
Cross-reference

Found in these DHALIORA products

Found in 0 DHALIORA products

Not currently in any DHALIORA product.

How grades are set — Risk reflects our own reading of publicly available safety data, an EWG-style reading shown at the worst-case grade we've assigned this ingredient across products. It isn't a third party's proprietary score, and it isn't medical advice. Always read the packaging and patch-test where indicated.
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