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Cetearyl glucoside

Cetearyl glucoside suppliers and sourcing guide

Cetearyl glucoside is a nonionic emulsifier made by reacting glucose (from corn or wheat starch) with cetearyl alcohol (C16-18 fatty alcohols from coconut or palm oil). It is almost always sold as a blend with cetearyl alcohol, as white flakes or pastilles used to make oil-in-water creams and lotions. Brands buy it as a PEG-free emulsifier, usually under a supplier's trade name.

See suppliersWhat to ask for on the COA
Also known as
Cetostearyl glucoside · C16-18 alkyl glucoside · Cetearyl alcohol (and) cetearyl glucoside
Facts checked
November 2026

Forms and grades of cetearyl glucoside

Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.

  • Cetearyl alcohol and cetearyl glucoside blend

    The common commercial form, typically about 80% cetearyl alcohol and 20% cetearyl glucoside, sold as flakes or pastilles.

  • Combined emulsifier systems

    Blends with sorbitan olivate, glyceryl stearate or other co-emulsifiers sold under trade names for specific textures.

  • RSPO-certified

    Grades using mass-balance or segregated certified palm-based fatty alcohols.

  • COSMOS or Ecocert approved

    Grades listed as approved for natural or organic cosmetic standards, with certificates from the supplier.

What to check on the COA

Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.

Identity
IR spectrum against a reference and the declared composition of the blend.
Acid, hydroxyl and saponification values
Titration values that show the ratio of fatty alcohol to glucoside.
Free fatty alcohol and residual glucose
Content of unreacted materials, by GC or titration, reported against the supplier's specification.
Melting range and pH
Melting range for processing and pH of a stated dispersion.
Water
Water content by Karl Fischer titration.
Heavy metals
Lead, arsenic and other elements by ICP-MS or ICP-OES against the supplier's specification or the applicable USP, FCC or cosmetic-grade limit.

Storage, lots and expiry

Storage and shelf life

Store sealed in a cool, dry place away from heat and moisture; the flakes can cake in humid or warm storage. Shelf life follows the supplier's specification, commonly with a retest of appearance and acid value after the stated period.

Lots and expiry dates

Trade-name blends from different suppliers are not interchangeable at the same dose, so record the supplier, trade name and composition with each lot. Note RSPO and natural-standard certificates per lot if product claims rely on them.

Regulatory status

Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.

  • Health Canada's Natural Health Products Ingredients Database lists cetearyl glucoside as an approved ingredient with non-medicinal purposes of emulsifying agent, skin-conditioning agent and surfactant, for topical use.

    Source: webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca (opens in a new tab)

This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.

Cetearyl glucoside suppliers

Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.

We are checking cetearyl glucoside suppliers now

Every listing is checked against the supplier’s own website before it goes live, so this list fills in over the coming weeks. The specs and COA checklist above are ready today.

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Frequently asked questions

What forms of cetearyl glucoside can brands buy?

Common forms include cetearyl alcohol and cetearyl glucoside blend, combined emulsifier systems, rSPO-certified and cOSMOS or Ecocert approved. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.

What should the COA for cetearyl glucoside include?

Expect identity, acid, hydroxyl and saponification values, free fatty alcohol and residual glucose, melting range and pH, water and heavy metals, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.

How should cetearyl glucoside be stored?

Store sealed in a cool, dry place away from heat and moisture; the flakes can cake in humid or warm storage. Shelf life follows the supplier's specification, commonly with a retest of appearance and acid value after the stated period.

What is the regulatory status of cetearyl glucoside?

Health Canada's Natural Health Products Ingredients Database lists cetearyl glucoside as an approved ingredient with non-medicinal purposes of emulsifying agent, skin-conditioning agent and surfactant, for topical use.

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