Ingredient

Ceteth-40

Mid risk

Also known asPEG-40 cetyl ether, polyoxyethylene (40) cetyl ether, cetyl alcohol ethoxylate

FunctionEmulsifier

What it is — Ceteth-40 is cetyl alcohol reacted with an average of forty units of ethylene oxide. The long PEG chain makes it fully water-dispersible, the opposite end of the family from Ceteth-1.

What it does — It is a high-HLB emulsifier and solubiliser: it pulls oils, fragrance and oil-soluble dyes into a water-based formula, stabilises the emulsion and helps the product rinse clean without leaving a greasy film. Paired with a low-HLB partner it forms a stable, creamy base.

Typical use — Colour creams, colour-depositing shampoos, conditioners and leave-in sprays. In the GDS Hair Dye Shampoo it is declared in the Brown and Dark Brown formulas alongside Ceteth-1.

Who it suits / good to know — Purely functional; it has no effect on hair beyond texture and rinse-off. Because it is very water-soluble it does not build up on hair.

Safety — The US Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) has assessed the ceteth family as safe for use in cosmetics provided manufacturers minimise the process impurities 1,4-dioxane and ethylene oxide. That impurity question is why DHALIORA grades PEG-type ingredients mid rather than low. Ceteth-40 is mild at use levels; keep it out of the eyes and rinse well. This is general information, not medical advice.

Why we grade it Mid: Mid risk — a PEG-type ethoxylated emulsifier; low hazard in itself, but the ethoxylation process can leave trace 1,4-dioxane and ethylene oxide, so purity depends on manufacturing controls.
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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