What it is
Isodeceth-6 is an ethoxylated alcohol made by reacting branched isodecyl alcohol with about six units of ethylene oxide. It functions as a nonionic surfactant and emulsifier, helping to blend oil and water phases and to solubilize oily or fragrance components into formulas. It is used as a processing aid in lotions, sun care, and other emulsions.
Safety & warnings
Isodeceth-6 is generally well tolerated as used in cosmetics. Like other PEG-type (ethoxylated) ingredients, manufacturing controls are used to limit residual reaction byproducts such as 1,4-dioxane.
Origin & sourcing
It is a synthetic ingredient produced by ethoxylating isodecyl alcohol, a branched fatty alcohol.
Questions everyone asks
What is isodeceth-6 used for?
It is a nonionic surfactant and emulsifier that helps blend oil and water and solubilize oily or fragrance components in a formula.
Is it synthetic?
Yes. It is made by ethoxylating the branched fatty alcohol isodecyl alcohol.