Oleth-2
AKA “Genapol 2, Oleth-2 [VANDF], Oleth-2 [II], BRIJ 93, Oleth-2 [INCI], Diethylene glycol monooleyl ether, Ethanol”
Synthetic
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Ingredient Facts
Oleth-2
AKA: Genapol 2, Oleth-2 [VANDF], Oleth-2 [II], BRIJ 93, Oleth-2 [INCI], Diethylene glycol monooleyl ether, Ethanol
Synthetic · Surfactant - Cleansing | Surfactant - Emulsifying · EWG: 4
Plant-Derived
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Plant Oil
Synthetic
Not Clean
A gentle cleanser that helps remove dirt and oil while keeping formulas smooth and well-blended for even application.
Formula
C22H44O3
Mol. Weight
356.60
CAS #
9004-98-2
Form
Liquid
Plant-Derived
Synthetic. Derived from ethylene oxide and fatty alcohols, typically sourced from coconut or palm oils. Produced through ethoxylation, where ethylene oxide is chemically bonded to oleyl alcohol.
Function
Surfactant - Cleansing | Surfactant - Emulsifying
Benefits
Cleansing Surfactant
Emulsifier
Removes Impurities
Mixes Oil & Water
Traditional Use
Synthetic surfactant and emulsifier developed in the mid-20th century by ethoxylating oleyl alcohol. These polyethylene glycol derivatives were created to provide stable emulsification and solubilization properties in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.
Skin Types
all-skin-types
Best For
Target
General
Melanin-Rich Skin
Suitable
Pregnancy Safe
Yes
EWG Score4
CIR Safety Findings
medical-approval, all-shades-safe, Not a Sensitizer
Concentration Guide
Industry reports use up to 18.0% across all product types. Source: CIR Safety Assessment (CIR Seq 581).
Regulatory Agencies
Safety review of phenoxyethanol when used as a preservati...
B Dréno, T Zuberbier, C Gelmetti, G Gontijo, M Marinovich
Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology : JEADV, 2019
Safety Assessment of Diethanolamine and Its Salts as Used...
Monice M Fiume, Bart Heldreth, Wilma F Bergfeld, Donald V Belsito, Ronald A Hill, Curtis D Klaassen + 6 more
International journal of toxicology, 2017
Safety Assessment of Diethanolamine and Its Salts as Used...
Monice M Fiume, Bart Heldreth, Wilma F Bergfeld, Donald V Belsito, Ronald A Hill, Curtis D Klaassen + 6 more
International journal of toxicology, 2017
Safety Assessment of Diethanolamine and Its Salts as Used...
Monice M Fiume, Bart Heldreth, Wilma F Bergfeld, Donald V Belsito, Ronald A Hill, Curtis D Klaassen + 6 more
International journal of toxicology, 2017
Phenoxyethanol Safety Assessment
Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology, 2019
Verified Feb 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR