Oleth-45
AKA “Oleyl Ethoxylate 45, Oleth 45, Polyethylene Glycol Monooleyl Ether
Synthetic
Ingredient Facts
Oleth-45
AKA: Oleyl Ethoxylate 45, Oleth 45, Polyethylene Glycol Monooleyl Ether
Synthetic · Cleansing · EWG: 4
Synthetic
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Synthetic
Not Clean
A gentle cleanser and emulsifier that helps remove impurities while keeping formulas smooth and blended. Works to effectively cleanse without stripping skin.
Effective at 9.03%
CAS #
-
Form
Liquid
See origin →
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
Removes Impurities
Mixes Oil & Water
Traditional Use
Synthetic surfactant and emulsifier developed in the mid-20th century by ethoxylating oleyl alcohol. These polyethylene glycol derivatives were created to provide stable emulsification and solubilization properties in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.
Skin Types
all-skin-types
Best For
General
Melanin-Rich Skin
Suitable
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
EWG
4
CIR
Safe w/Qualifications
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Concentration Guide
0.06%
18.0%
0%25%
Effective Range
CIR reported use: 0.1-18 | 0.3-10 | 1-4 | 0.06-10
Regulatory Status
USApermitted
EUrestricted
JAPANrestricted
CANADArestricted
Verified Feb 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR