Cetearyl Glucoside
Also known as Cetearyl glucoside, C16-18 alkyl glucoside, Cetostearyl glucoside
“CIR Expert Panel says: safe as used in cosmetics.”
The CIR Expert Panel assessed 19 alkyl glucosides as a group, including cetearyl glucoside, and concluded they are safe in the present practices of use and concentration when formulated to be nonirritating (IJT 32(S3):22-48, 2013; PMID 24174472). A 2024 surveillance study (PMID 38575135) confirmed that alkyl glucosides are established contact allergens found in a notable proportion of hypoallergenic rinse-off products, underscoring the SQ finding that irritation avoidance is the key safety condition. The evidence base is moderate: one authoritative group safety assessment and corroborating post-market surveillance.
Nonionic emulsifier derived from fatty alcohols and glucose; considered a natural-origin alternative to ethoxylated emulsifiers
Biodegradable and mild skin profile relative to sulfate-based surfactants
Effective O/W emulsifier enabling stable formulations with light textures
- · Established contact allergen class — alkyl glucosides can cause allergic contact dermatitis in sensitized individuals
- · Can enhance dermal penetration of co-formulated ingredients; care advised when paired with ingredients whose safety was assessed on low dermal absorption
- · Found in hypoallergenic products marketed to sensitive skin despite known sensitization potential
CIR Quick Reference Table (12/2017, revised 07/2018) — Cetearyl Glucoside row: Finding=SQ, Citation=IJT 32(S3):22-48, 2013
“Cetearyl Glucoside | SQ | safe for use in cosmetics when formulated to be non-irritating | IJT 32 (S3): 22-48, 2013”— QRT-122017revised072018.pdf, p. 23