Oleth-3

AKA: Oleyl Ethoxylate 3, Oleth 3, Polyethylene Glycol Monooleyl Ether

Synthetic

Cleanser

Emulsifier

Clean

OriginDerived from oleic acid and ethylene oxide, both petroleum-derived synthetic compounds. Synthesized through ethoxylation, where ethylene oxide chains are added to oleic alcohol.

Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), .alpha.-9-(Z)-octadecenyl-.omega.-hydroxy (3 mol EO average molar ratio)

CAS #

9004-98-2

Form

Liquid

Skin Types

●all-skin-types

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.

Emulsifier

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

CIR

Safe as used

Pregnancy

Yes

Restricted By

Credo Beauty Whole Foods Premium Body Care EWG VERIFIED

Concentration Guide

Leave-on0.3–4%

Rinse-off7–10%

0%50%100%

CIR reported use · 2010 survey

Regulatory Status

USA✔ permitted

EU⚠ restricted

JAPAN⚠ restricted

CANADA⚠ restricted

Regulatory Agencies

EWG CIR FDA EU COSING Health Canada

Verified Jun 2026

Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR