Oleth-5

What is Oleth-5?

A polyethylene glycol ether of oleyl alcohol with 5 moles of ethylene oxide, slightly more water-soluble than Oleth-3.

Why is it used in products?

It's used as an emulsifier and solubilizer that helps incorporate oils into lighter formulations.

Why does it clog pores?

Like Oleth-3, this ingredient carries the comedogenic legacy of oleyl alcohol. Its ethoxylated structure helps it deposit an oleic acid-derived film on and inside pore openings. Even at a slightly higher ethoxylation level, it retains enough lipophilicity to clog pores in acne-prone skin.

Commonly found in

• moisturizers
• lotions
• cleansers