Propylene Glycol Oleth-5
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: Propylene Glycol Oleyl Polyethylene Glycol Ether
Synthetic
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Not Clean
Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), .alpha.-(9-(Z)-octadecenyl)-.omega.-2-hydroxy-1-methylethyl- (5 mol EO avergae molar ratio)
CAS #
-
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
Brightens Skin
Reduces Inflammation
Wound Healing
Removes Impurities
Mixes Oil & Water
Traditional Use
Synthetic polyethylene glycol ester developed as a surfactant and emulsifier for cosmetics. Functions to stabilize formulations and improve product texture in modern skincare.
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not an Irritant
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Regulatory Agencies
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewednone on file
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed1 review →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR