Oleth-4

AKA: 3, 6, 9, 12-Tetraoxatriacont-21-en-1-ol, 103622-85-1, 2-[2-[2-(2-octadec-9-enoxyethoxy)ethoxy]ethoxy]ethanol, ZNVICELHBCNKIF-UHFFFAOYSA-N
Synthetic
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Not Clean
OriginDerived from oleyl alcohol and ethylene oxide, both petroleum-based synthetic compounds. Synthesized through ethoxylation, where ethylene oxide molecules are chemically bonded to oleyl alcohol.
Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), .alpha.-9-(Z)-octadecenyl-.omega.-hydroxy (4 mol EO average molar ratio)
Formula
C26H52O5
Mol. Weight
444.70
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
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
3
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
Concentration Guide
Leave-onNot reported
Rinse-off1–4%
0%50%100%
CIR reported use · 2010 survey
Regulatory Status
USA✔ permitted
EU⚠ restricted
JAPAN⚠ restricted
CANADA⚠ restricted
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR