Get a Free 5ml Mini Now Free 5ml Mini With Every Order of The Mantle
Moumoujus

OLETH-3.

Questionable CAS 9004-98-2 / SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING

OLETH-3 is a non-ionic surfactant primarily utilized in cosmetic formulations for its emulsifying, stabilizing, and dispersing properties. It aids in blending oil and water phases, ensuring product homogeneity, and assists in the effective removal of impurities from the skin.

Summary

Emollient Emulsifying Surfactant/Cleansing Emulsion Stabilizer Dispersant

Science

Mechanism of Action

Operating as a non-ionic surfactant, OLETH-3 reduces the interfacial tension between immiscible liquids like oil and water, thereby facilitating the creation and stabilization of emulsions, particularly water-in-oil systems. Its dispersive action allows for the even distribution of insoluble solid particles, such as pigments, throughout a formula. Additionally, its surfactant nature enables it to interact with oily residues and dirt on the skin or hair, allowing water to more effectively rinse them away. OLETH-3 can also influence a product's rheology, impacting its texture and spreadability.

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 – 8.5
0 7 14

Stability

OLETH-3 presents as a clear to cloudy, light yellow liquid with a faint odor. Its specific physical properties, including water solubility, are influenced by its ethoxylation degree. While possessing low intrinsic water solubility, it is miscible with select base oils, including mineral base oils and methyl esters of rapeseed oil. Optimal stability and function are observed within a pH range of 5.5 to 8.5 in aqueous solutions.

Conflicts

  • rapeseed oil alone

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe as used
Sensitization risk Moderate

The CIR Expert Panel deems Oleth ingredients, including OLETH-3, safe under current usage practices. However, its use is not recommended on damaged skin due to potential enhancement of other ingredient penetration. It carries a mild to moderate risk for skin and eye irritation. Recommended maximum concentrations are between 0.3% and 4% for leave-on products and 7% to 10% for rinse-off products. Trace amounts of 1,4-dioxane, an ethoxylation byproduct, may be present but are controllable through purification methods.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

No Normal
No Dry
No Oily
No Sensitive
Irritancy Medium
Comedogenicity High

Our Assessment

Verdict

Questionable

Despite its utility as a formulation aid, OLETH-3 is considered questionable for precision skincare due to its high comedogenicity and medium irritancy potential, suggesting caution for sensitive or breakout-prone skin types.

Related

Similar Ingredients

Finding similar ingredients…