Ingredient review
Arachideth-22
INCI: ARACHIDETH-22
A gentle synthetic emulsifier that helps mix oil and water in creams and cleansers, with a low risk of irritation.
In plain English
Arachideth-22 is a synthetic ingredient that helps oil and water stay mixed together in products like lotions and cleansers. It's part of a family of emulsifiers that are generally considered mild and safe for most skin types. You'll find it in many creamy or milky formulas to keep them smooth and stable.
Quick decision guide
Useful, but context matters
Arachideth-22 is generally a lower-concern ingredient when the full formula suits your skin.
Plain-English read
Treat this as a practical screening step before you compare products that contain this ingredient.
- Step 1Start with the score, then check the irritation and clogging risk before judging Arachideth-22.
- Step 2Use the "Best for" and "Use caution if" sections to match the ingredient to your skin, not just to a marketing claim.
- Step 3If a product stings, breaks you out, or worsens irritation, judge the finished formula and stop using it even if the ingredient scores well.
Score terms in plain English
Irritation risk
lowLess likely to sting, burn, or bother most users, though sensitive skin can still react.
Clogging risk
lowLess likely to feel heavy or contribute to clogged pores for most skin types.
Evidence level
moderateThere is useful support, but formula details and claim strength still matter.
What it is
Arachideth-22 is a polyethylene glycol (PEG) derivative of arachidyl alcohol, used as a non-ionic emulsifier and surfactant in cosmetics. It helps create stable oil-in-water emulsions.
How it works
It reduces the surface tension between oil and water, allowing them to blend into a uniform, stable cream or lotion. This prevents separation and gives the product a smooth texture.
Pros
Gentle emulsifier
Arachideth-22 is considered mild and unlikely to cause irritation for most people, making it suitable for daily-use cleansers and moisturizers.
Improves product stability
It helps maintain a consistent texture over time, so your cream or lotion won't separate into oil and water layers.
Cons and cautions
Synthetic origin
It is a lab-made ingredient, which may be a drawback for those who prefer naturally derived emulsifiers.
Potential trace impurities
As a PEG compound, there is a theoretical risk of contamination with ethylene oxide or 1,4-dioxane during manufacturing, though reputable brands use purified grades.
Best for
- People with normal to dry skin looking for gentle cleansers or moisturizers
- Those who prefer stable, well-formulated creams without separation
Use caution if
- Individuals with known sensitivity to PEG compounds (rare)
- Those seeking exclusively natural or plant-based emulsifiers
Usage tips
Safety summary
Arachideth-22 is considered safe for use in cosmetics at typical concentrations. It has low irritation and comedogenic potential. As with all PEG compounds, quality control during manufacturing is important to minimize impurities.
Research notes
There is limited direct research on Arachideth-22, but the broader class of PEG ethers has been reviewed by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review panel and found safe for use in rinse-off and leave-on products at concentrations up to 25%.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- 0.5% to 5%
- Regulatory status
- Approved for use in cosmetics in the US, EU, and many other regions. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) panel has reviewed similar PEG ethers and found them safe at typical use concentrations.
- Common uses
- Cleansers, Lotions, Creams, Makeup removers
- Environmental note
- As a synthetic PEG compound, it may not be readily biodegradable. However, it is used in low concentrations and is not considered a major environmental concern.
Good to know
- Arachideth-22 is often used alongside other emulsifiers to fine-tune texture.
- It is not a preservative; products containing it still need a proper preservation system.
Common questions
What is Arachideth-22 in beauty products?
Arachideth-22 is a synthetic ingredient that helps oil and water stay mixed together in products like lotions and cleansers. It's part of a family of emulsifiers that are generally considered mild and safe for most skin types. You'll find it in many creamy or milky formulas to keep them smooth and stable.
What does Arachideth-22 do in a beauty product?
It reduces the surface tension between oil and water, allowing them to blend into a uniform, stable cream or lotion. This prevents separation and gives the product a smooth texture.
Is Arachideth-22 safe for most people?
Arachideth-22 is considered safe for use in cosmetics at typical concentrations. It has low irritation and comedogenic potential. As with all PEG compounds, quality control during manufacturing is important to minimize impurities.
Who should be careful with Arachideth-22?
Individuals with known sensitivity to PEG compounds (rare) Those seeking exclusively natural or plant-based emulsifiers
Research sources
Ingredient reviews are educational and are not medical advice. Patch test new products and ask a licensed clinician about persistent irritation, allergies, pregnancy-specific questions, or diagnosed skin conditions.