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Moumoujus

OLETH-2.

Valuable CAS 9004-98-2 / SURFACTANT - CLEANSING, SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING

OLETH-2 is a nonionic surfactant, an ethoxylated derivative of oleyl alcohol, engineered to serve as a multifunctional ingredient in cosmetic formulations. It excels as an emulsifier, stabilizing the intricate blend of oil and water, while also acting as a solubilizer to integrate challenging lipophilic components. Furthermore, it functions as an effective cleansing agent and has demonstrated the capacity to enhance the transdermal penetration of other active ingredients.

Summary

Emulsifier Solubilizer Cleansing Agent Penetration Enhancer

Science

Mechanism of Action

As a nonionic surfactant, OLETH-2's molecular structure possesses both hydrophilic (water-attracting) and hydrophobic (oil-attracting) regions. This dual affinity enables it to reduce the surface tension between immiscible phases, thereby stabilizing emulsions. In its role as a solubilizer, it forms micelles around poorly water-soluble ingredients, allowing them to disperse uniformly in aqueous systems. For cleansing, it interacts with sebum and environmental impurities, facilitating their emulsification and subsequent removal by rinsing. Its surfactant properties are also implicated in temporarily modulating the skin barrier, which can lead to increased penetration of co-formulated active substances.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Insufficient-data confidence
Effective range N/A
Optimal

N/A

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Both
Optimal pH 5.5 – 7
0 7 14

Stability

OLETH-2 demonstrates excellent chemical stability, maintaining its integrity across a wide pH spectrum, specifically between 5.5 and 7.0, and resisting degradation from both acidic and alkaline environments. Classified as a lipophilic surfactant with an approximate HLB value of 5, it is optimally suited for the creation and stabilization of water-in-oil (W/O) emulsions.

Conflicts

  • The capacity of OLETH-2 to enhance the dermal penetration of co-formulated ingredients necessitates rigorous assessment during product development. Formulators must meticulously evaluate potential interactions to prevent increased exposure to compounds that could lead to heightened skin irritation or adverse effects.
  • Consistent with guidelines for polyethylene glycol (PEG) derivatives, OLETH-2 should not be incorporated into products intended for application on compromised or damaged skin barriers due to potential risks.

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe as used
Sensitization risk Unknown

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel has deemed OLETH-2 safe for use in current cosmetic formulations, provided it is formulated to be non-irritating. However, formulators are advised to carefully consider its penetration-enhancing properties when combining it with other active ingredients. Furthermore, based on established safety profiles of related compounds like PEGs, OLETH-2 is not recommended for use on skin with impaired barrier function or existing damage. No specific SCCS opinion has been issued for OLETH-2.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

No Normal
No Dry
No Oily
No Sensitive
Irritancy Unknown
Comedogenicity Unknown

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

OLETH-2 is a versatile nonionic surfactant that is valuable for its emulsifying, solubilizing, and cleansing properties, coupled with its ability to enhance ingredient delivery, though it requires meticulous formulation, especially concerning compromised skin.

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