Oleth-2
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: Genapol 2, 5274-65-7, Oleth-2 [VANDF], Oleth-2 [II], BRIJ 93, Oleth-2 [INCI], Diethylene glycol monooleyl ether, Ethanol
Synthetic
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Clean
OriginDerived 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.
Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), .alpha.-9-(Z)-octadecenyl-.omega.-hydroxy (2 mol EO average molar ratio)
Formula
C22H44O3
Mol. Weight
356.60
CAS #
9004-98-2
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.
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
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewednone on file
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed3 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-on0.1–10%
Rinse-off0.2–18%
0%50%100%
CIR reported use · 2010 survey
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR
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