HEALTH RISK: Ceteareth-20 is considered a moderate to severe health hazard by cosmetics researchers and is restricted for use in cosmetics. It is highly unsafe to use on irritation or damaged skin. Studies have shown that this chemical ingredient is potentially contaminated with Ethylene Oxide and I,4-dioxane – two known cancer causing substances. According to the EWC Cosmetics Database:

“The carcinogen 1,4-dioxane contaminates up to 46% of personal care products tested (OCA 2008, EWG 2008). The chemical is an unwanted byproduct of an ingredient processing method called ethoxylation used to reduce the risk of skin irritation for petroleum-based ingredients. Though 1,4-dioxane can easily be removed from products before they are sold, its widespread presence in products indicates that many manufacturers fail to take this simple step.”

Being a penetration enhancer, Ceteareth-20 works to speed the passage of these chemicals directly into your bloodstream.
Much more research needs to be conducted on this ingredient before we start applying it onto our faces, into our hair and introducing it into our bloodstream. Avoid this chemical when purchasing your beauty products.