Deceth-5
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: 2-(Decyloxy)ethanol, Ethanol, (2-Decyloxy)ethanol, AI3-33895
Synthetic
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Plant Oil
Clean
Decanol, ethoxylated (5 mol EO average molar ratio)
Effective at 1.6%
Formula
C12H26O2
Mol. Weight
202.33
CAS #
26183-52-8
Form
Liquid
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
Removes Impurities
Mixes Oil & Water
Traditional Use
A modern synthetic surfactant derived from ethoxylated decyl alcohol, developed in the 20th century for cosmetic emulsification purposes.
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%
Reported use
CIR reported use: 0.7-2 | 1-3 | 0.2-3
Regulatory Agencies
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewednone on file
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed2 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR