Isoceteth-20 is a nonionic surfactant and emulsifier derived from ethoxylated isocetyl alcohol, used to solubilize oils and stabilize emulsions in cosmetic formulations. It functions as a base/formulation ingredient rather than a treatment active.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Mild skin irritation | Uncommon | Possible with higher concentrations or sensitive skin |
Allergic contact dermatitis | Rare | Sensitization reported infrequently |
Eye irritation | Uncommon | On direct contact with cleansing or rinse-off products |
1,4-dioxane contamination concern | Rare | Trace byproduct of ethoxylation; mitigated by manufacturer purification |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
Peer-reviewed papers on this ingredient, via PubMed.