Oleth 2 Polysorbate 20

AKA: Tween 20
Synthetic
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Clean
OriginDerived from ethylene oxide and oleyl alcohol, which are petroleum-based synthetic compounds. Synthesized through ethoxylation, where ethylene oxide is chemically bonded to oleyl alcohol under catalytic conditions.
Restricted:EWG VERIFIED products cannot contain this ingredient without adequate substantiation.
CAS #
9005-64-5
Form
Liquid
Skin Types
●all-skin-types, gentle
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
Functions
Emulsifying
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Surfactant
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Antioxidant
Provides scent
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewednone on file
⚖️Regulatory0 listings
🛡️Safety-assessed1 review →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
EWG
2
CIR
Safe
Pregnancy
Yes
Regulatory Status
USA✔ permitted
EU⚠ restricted
JAPAN⚠ restricted
CANADA⚠ restricted
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR