murphyOleth-20
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: PEG-20 oleyl ether, Polyoxyethylene oleyl ether, UNKNOWN
Synthetic
Cleanser
Clean
OriginTypically derived from coconut, palm kernel, or soybean oils as the starting material. Produced through ethoxylation, where ethylene oxide is added to oleyl alcohol to create the polyethylene glycol ether surfactant.
Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), .alpha.-9-(Z)-octadecenyl-.omega.-hydroxy (20 mol EO average molar ratio)
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.
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Removes Impurities
Cleansing Surfactant
Antioxidant Protection
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️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
CIR Safety Findings
Mixed Eye Irritation Results
5 studies / 4 irritating / 1 mixed / reactions mild to moderate (CIR 46 and 581)
Skin Irritant in Testing
3 studies / 3 irritating / reactions minimal (CIR 46 and 581)
Concentration Guide
Leave-on0.1–17%
Rinse-off0.01–6%
0%50%100%
CIR reported use · 2010 survey
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR