cetearyl alcohol (and) polysorbate 60
what it is
A paired emulsifying blend — the (and) is INCI convention for two materials supplied together. Cetearyl alcohol is a waxy, plant-derived fatty alcohol; polysorbate 60 is a nonionic surfactant made from sorbitol and stearic acid, then ethoxylated.
why we use it
Together they build and hold the sunscreen's emulsion so the mineral filter stays evenly distributed from the first use to the last. A split emulsion in a sunscreen is not a cosmetic problem — it is a protection problem, because separation means uneven filter.
where you'll find it
In our mineral sunscreen (SPF 50+ PA++++), in the emulsifiers & stabilisers group (12.25% total). Per-ingredient percentages within the sunscreen groups are not yet published; the group totals are exact. Cetearyl alcohol also appears on its own in feather and cloud — it has its own page.
evidence
A workhorse pairing used across the industry for decades; its performance is confirmed in our stability testing rather than claimed.
safety
The honest note concerns polysorbate 60: it is ethoxylated, meaning ethylene oxide is used in its manufacture, and trace 1,4-dioxane is the criticism usually raised. Suppliers strip residues to trace levels, and the Cosmetic Ingredient Review panel considers polysorbates safe as used. We would rather name the question than hope you never ask it.