Octyldodeceth-20
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: PEG-20 octyl dodecyl ether, Octyldodecanol ethoxylate, UNKNOWN
Synthetic
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Clean
OriginDerived from fatty alcohols and ethylene oxide, belonging to the nonionic surfactant chemical family. Synthesized through ethoxylation of octyldodecanol, adding ethylene oxide polymer chains.
Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), .alpha.-(2-octyldodecyl)-.omega.-hydroxy- (20 mol EO average molar ratio)
CAS #
32128-65-7
Form
Liquid
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
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.
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
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.
EWG
2
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
Concentration Guide
Leave-on0.2–18%
Rinse-off0.1–2%
0%50%100%
CIR reported use · report published 2012
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR
murphy