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Oleth-40
AKA “Oleyl Ethoxylate 40, Oleth 40, Polyethylene Glycol Monooleyl Ether”
Synthetic
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Ingredient Facts
Oleth-40
AKA: Oleyl Ethoxylate 40, Oleth 40, Polyethylene Glycol Monooleyl Ether
Synthetic · Cleansing | Surfactant - Cleansing | Surfactant - Emulsifying · EWG: 3
Plant-Derived
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Synthetic
Not Clean
A gentle cleansing agent that helps remove oil and impurities while keeping formulas stable and smooth-textured.
CAS #
9004-98-2
Form
Liquid
Plant-Derived
Synthetic. Derived from oleic acid and ethylene oxide, both petroleum or plant-derived compounds. Synthesized through ethoxylation, wherein ethylene oxide chains are added to oleic acid molecules.
Function
Cleansing | Surfactant - Cleansing | Surfactant - Emulsifying
Benefits
Removes Impurities
Cleansing Surfactant
Emulsifier
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 Score3
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 Status
USA✔ permitted
EU⚠ restricted
JAPAN⚠ restricted
CANADA⚠ restricted
Verified Feb 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR