Oleth-10

Benefits

Softening

What is Oleth-10?

Oleth-10, or PEG-10 oleyl ether, arises from reacting oleyl alcohol—a fatty alcohol sourced from vegetable oils—with ethylene oxide to add a chain of 10 ethylene glycol units. This creates a hydrophilic-lipophilic molecule ideal for cosmetics. Primarily featured in cleansers, shampoos, lotions, and perfumes, it operates by lowering surface tension between oil and water, forming micelles for dirt removal and stable emulsions for creamy textures. As a fragrance ingredient, it disperses scents evenly without separation. Its balanced HLB value suits oil-in-water systems, ensuring product uniformity and mild sensory feel during application. In formulations, it supports softening by interacting with skin lipids, promoting smoothness without harshness.

Comedogenic Rating 2/5 Moderate risk

EWG Safety Rating 1-3 View on EWG →

PubChem View on PubChem →

Roles in Formulation

This ingredient serves the following purposes in cosmetic formulations:

Fragrance ingredient

Contributes scent character and/or masks base odors, shaping the overall sensory experience of the formula (subject to allergen and IFRA considerations).

Surfactant

Lowers surface tension to enable cleansing, emulsifying, and foaming; central to shampoos, body washes, and many emulsions and micellar systems.

Emulsifying agent

Enables stable mixing of oil and water phases by forming an interfacial film, helping create lotions, creams, and cleansers with consistent texture.

Benefits

Softens skin through lipid interaction for smoother feel.

Facilitates gentle cleansing by enabling micelle formation.

Stabilizes emulsions for consistent lotion and cleanser textures.

Who It's For

A quick guide for who this ingredient may suit (and who should be cautious).

Who May Benefit	Who Should Avoid
Individuals with normal or dry skin seeking softness.	People with acne-prone skin due to moderate comedogenic potential.
Users of shampoos and body washes for effective yet mild cleaning.	Individuals sensitive to ethoxylated ingredients.
Those enjoying scented products with stable fragrance delivery.	Those preferring PEG-free formulations.

Safety Notes

Rated low hazard by EWG with scores from 1 to 3.
Considered safe in cosmetics by Cosmetic Ingredient Review when impurities are minimized.

Frequently Asked Questions about Oleth-10

What is Oleth-10 used for in skincare?

It serves as a surfactant for cleansing, emulsifier for lotions, and solubilizer for fragrances.

Is Oleth-10 comedogenic?

It carries a moderate comedogenic rating of 2, so caution advised for oily or acne-prone skin.

How safe is Oleth-10?

EWG rates it 1-3, indicating low concern, with safety supported by expert reviews.