Oleth-5 is a cosmetic ingredient commonly used as an emulsifier, surfactant, and solubilizer in personal care products. It is a member of the Oleth family, derived from ethoxylated oleic acid. The appearance of Oleth-5 is a clear to pale yellow liquid with a mild, characteristic odor. In cosmetics, Oleth-5 aids in creating stable formulations by helping to disperse and blend oil and water-based ingredients, making products smooth and consistent for enhanced user experience. The chemical formula of Oleth-5 is C28H56O6.
What is OLETH-5 used for?
Oleth-5 is a multifunctional ingredient widely utilized in cosmetics and personal care products. Its primary role is as an emulsifier, enabling the blending of oil and water-based components in creams, lotions, and serums. This promotes smooth textures and prevents product separation. Additionally, Oleth-5 acts as a surfactant, helping to reduce surface tension, enhance foaming, and improve the spreadability of formulations like shampoos, body washes, and facial cleansers. Its solubilizing properties make it effective in incorporating oil-soluble ingredients into water-based products. Overall, Oleth-5 plays a crucial role in ensuring stable, well-dispersed, and user-friendly cosmetics, enhancing their efficacy and user experience.
Origin
Oleth-5 is made through the process of ethoxylation, where ethylene oxide is added to oleic acid, a fatty acid derived from vegetable oils like olive oil. This chemical reaction results in the production of Oleth-5, a versatile and commonly used ingredient in cosmetics for its emulsifying and surfactant properties.
Safety profile
Oleth-5, when used in cosmetics within the recommended concentrations, is considered safe for topical application. It has a generally low toxicity profile and is not known to cause adverse effects on the skin. However, like any cosmetic ingredient, excessive use or sensitivities in some individuals may lead to mild irritations, so patch testing is advisable.