murphyCholeth-24
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: 27321-96-6, 2-[[10, 13-dimethyl-17-(6-methylheptan-2-yl)-2, 3, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17-dodecahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-3-yl]oxy]ethanol, 30788-35-3, 2-(Cholest-5-en-3-yloxy)ethanol
Synthetic
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Clean
OriginDerived from fatty alcohols obtained through hydrogenation of plant oils like coconut or palm kernel oil. Synthesized through ethoxylation, wherein ethylene oxide is added to the fatty alcohol backbone to create the polyethylene glycol ether.
(3beta)-Cholest-5-en-3-ol, ethoxylated (24 mol EO average molar ratio)
Formula
C29H50O2
Mol. Weight
430.70
CAS #
27321-96-6
Skin Types
●all-skin-types, gentle
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
Functions
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.
Cleansing Surfactant
Emulsifier
Brightens Skin
Removes Impurities
Mixes Oil & Water
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed2 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
EWG
2
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
2 studies / 2 not sensitizing (CIR 233)
Not Phototoxic
Product formulation test found no phototoxicity in the CIR safety assessment (CIR 233)
Mixed Eye Irritation Results
3 studies / 1 irritating / 1 mixed / 1 not irritating / reactions slight (CIR 233)
Mixed Skin Irritation Results
7 studies / 2 irritating / 2 mixed / 3 not irritating / reactions minimal to severe (CIR 233)
Concentration Guide
CIR's newest survey reports no concentration of use.
CIR · 2022 survey
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR