Oleth-3

This nonionic surfactant is made by ethoxylating oleyl alcohol and typically supplied as a clear liquid, used in cleansers and emulsions to solubilize oils, aid rinse-off, and stabilize mixtures at low to moderate concentrations.
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Ingredient Snapshot

Overview
A mild surfactant that helps cleansers rinse away oil and makeup.
Category
Cleansing, Emulsifying
Type
Surfactant

Ingredient Ratings

Overall Rating

Fair

Comedogenic Risk

None

Skin Benefits

Helps lift daily buildup and makeup so skin feels clean and refreshed. Contributes to a light, residue-free finish after rinsing.

Uses In Skincare & Cosmetics

Common in gel cleansers, micellar waters, and makeup-removing lotions to aid dispersion of oily impurities. Also appears in shampoos to improve cleansing performance in mild systems.

Comedogenic Rating

This ingredient is not typically evaluated for comedogenicity, and no standardized rating is available.

Safety

May cause irritation or stinging, especially on sensitive or compromised skin and around the eyes; use at low levels and rinse thoroughly. Modern manufacturing controls aim to minimize residual ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane, but cautious users may still prefer alternatives. No widely recognized special regulatory restrictions apply at rinse-off levels.

Is Oleth-3 a Good Ingredient?

Rated Fair: it's an effective low-level solubilizer and cleanser, but it's more irritating than milder surfactants and can disrupt the skin barrier if overused, which is why it doesn't rate higher.

Products with Oleth-3

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