Emulsifying Wax
If you’ve ever wondered how a body cream stays beautifully smooth or how oil and water can coexist in a lotion without separating — you’ve got emulsifiers to thank. At Made in Hemp, we use a blend of Cetearyl Alcohol and Ceteareth-20, often referred to as emulsifying wax, to ensure our creams and balms are consistent, stable, and delightful to use.
These ingredients may sound technical, but they’re non-toxic, plant-derived, and play a key structural role in making effective, skin-safe skincare.
What Are Cetearyl Alcohol & Ceteareth-20?
Despite the word “alcohol,” Cetearyl Alcohol is not drying or harsh — it’s actually a fatty alcohol derived from plant oils (usually coconut or palm). It works as:
A thickener
A stabiliser
A skin-softening emollient
Ceteareth-20, also plant-derived, is an ethoxylated fatty alcohol that functions as an emulsifier — it helps water-based and oil-based ingredients bind together into a smooth, unified cream.
Together, they form what’s commonly called Emulsifying Wax NF or Emulsifying Wax BP, a globally recognised blend used in natural and conventional formulations alike.
Why Are These Ingredients Used in Natural Skincare?
Not all natural skincare relies on raw oils and butters alone — especially when you want a lotion or cream to stay shelf-stable and not separate.
We use this emulsifying blend because:
It binds oil and water into a smooth, creamy consistency
It keeps formulas stable in varying temperatures
It offers a light, non-greasy skin feel
It allows botanical actives like hemp seed oil, hyaluronic acid, or calendula extract to be delivered evenly through the formula
It is skin-safe, non-comedogenic, and suitable for sensitive skin
Are They Safe?
Yes. Both ingredients are approved for use by global regulatory bodies including:
ECOCERT and COSMOS (when derived from natural sources - like ours!)
FDA and EU cosmetic regulations
They are non-sensitising, non-irritating, and biodegradable when sourced responsibly. They do not contain drying alcohol and are considered safe for daily use, even on sensitive skin.
Where You’ll Find Them
Our Cetearyl Alcohol and Ceteareth-20 blend appears in:
Hemp Face Cream – Ylang Ylang – for a lightweight, non-greasy finish that still deeply nourishes
Hemp Face Cream – Unscented – ideal for sensitive skin, with a smooth texture and fast absorption
Our Gym Junkie, Lavender and Vanilla Body Butters – to keep the formula fluffy and stable over time
They’re especially important in products that contain both hemp seed oil and water-based botanicals, allowing all ingredients to work harmoniously.
While they may not have the glamour of botanical extracts or essential oils, Cetearyl Alcohol and Ceteareth-20 are absolutely essential for creating natural skincare that’s a joy to use — smooth, stable, and effective. Think of them as the quiet workhorses behind the magic of your favourite creams.
At Made in Hemp, we always use these ingredients in safe concentrations, choosing plant-based sources and prioritising performance without compromising on skin safety or values.
Explore the silky, stable feel of our skincare — powered by gentle emulsifiers that let your skin soak up the good stuff. Shop our natural body and hand care range to feel the difference.
