What it is
Oleth-10 is a nonionic surfactant made by reacting oleyl alcohol with about ten units of ethylene oxide. It helps blend oil and water phases and can solubilize fragrances and oily actives into aqueous systems. It is used in sun creams and lotions to stabilize emulsions and improve texture.
Safety & warnings
Oleth-10 is generally well tolerated in rinse-off and leave-on cosmetics. As with other ethoxylated surfactants, high levels can contribute to mild irritation in sensitive individuals, and PEG/ethoxylated materials are made through processes that warrant control of trace by-products at the raw-material stage.
Origin & sourcing
Synthetic; produced by ethoxylation of oleyl alcohol, which may be plant- or animal-derived.
Questions everyone asks
What is Oleth-10 used for?
It is a nonionic emulsifier and surfactant that helps blend oil and water and solubilize oily ingredients in a formula.
Is Oleth-10 derived from oleic alcohol?
Yes, it is made by adding about ten ethylene oxide units to oleyl alcohol, giving it both oil-loving and water-loving properties.