Octyldodeceth-25
AKA “PEG-25 octyl dodecyl ether, Octyldodecanol ethoxylate, UNKNOWN
Surfactant
Ingredient Facts
Octyldodeceth-25
AKA: PEG-25 octyl dodecyl ether, Octyldodecanol ethoxylate, UNKNOWN
Surfactant · Cleansing · EWG: 2
Synthetic
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Clean
Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), .alpha.-(2-octyldodecyl)-.omega.-hydroxy- (25 mol EO average molar ratio)
Effective at 1.6%
CAS #
32128-65-7
Form
Liquid
See origin →
Functions
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Emulsifying
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Removes Impurities
Cleansing Surfactant
Emulsifier
Mixes Oil & Water
Traditional Use
Synthetic polyethylene glycol ether developed in the mid-20th century as a non-ionic surfactant and emulsifier for cosmetic formulations. No traditional use; created to improve stability and texture in modern skincare and cosmetic products.
Skin Types
all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
EWG
2
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Concentration Guide
0.2%
3.0%
0%4%
Effective Range
CIR reported use: 0.7-2 | 1-3 | 0.2-3
Regulatory Status
USApermitted
EUrestricted
JAPANrestricted
CANADArestricted
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR