Ingredient review
Dihydroxyethyl Oleyl Glycinate
INCI: Dihydroxyethyl Oleyl Glycinate
A gentle, amino-acid-based surfactant that cleanses effectively without stripping the skin, making it a great choice for sensitive or dry skin types.
In plain English
This ingredient is a mild cleansing agent made from oleic acid (a fatty acid found in olive oil) and glycine (an amino acid). It helps remove dirt, oil, and makeup from your skin without being harsh or stripping away too much of your skin's natural moisture. Think of it as a gentle soap alternative that leaves your skin feeling clean but not tight or dry.
Review score
Safety, usefulness, and evidence
Potentially useful with some tradeoffs
The evidence base is useful, but some claims depend heavily on the formula.
Risk flags are low for most users, though the finished product can still irritate.
- Source
- semi synthetic
- Evidence
- moderate
- Irritation
- low
- Clogging risk
- low
Quick decision guide
Useful, but context matters
Dihydroxyethyl Oleyl Glycinate 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 Dihydroxyethyl Oleyl Glycinate.
- 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
Dihydroxyethyl Oleyl Glycinate is a semi-synthetic surfactant derived from oleic acid (a fatty acid from olive oil) and glycine (an amino acid). It belongs to the family of amino-acid-based surfactants, which are known for being milder than traditional sulfates like sodium lauryl sulfate.
How it works
In a cleanser, this molecule has a water-loving head and an oil-loving tail. When you lather it with water, it surrounds and lifts away dirt, oil, and makeup from your skin's surface. Because it is based on an amino acid, it has a pH close to that of healthy skin (around 5.5), so it cleans without disrupting your skin's protective barrier.
Pros
Very gentle on skin
Unlike harsher sulfates, this surfactant cleans without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier, reducing the risk of tightness or irritation after washing.
pH-friendly formula
Its amino-acid base helps maintain a skin-compatible pH, which supports a healthy skin barrier and reduces the chance of dryness or sensitivity.
Cons and cautions
Milder cleansing power
For those who wear heavy, waterproof makeup or have very oily skin, this ingredient may not provide the deep cleansing needed without a double-cleansing routine.
Higher cost
Amino-acid-based surfactants are generally more expensive to produce, so products containing them often come with a higher price tag.
Best for
- People with dry or sensitive skin looking for a gentle cleanser
- Those who prefer sulfate-free cleansing products
Use caution if
- Individuals who need a very strong cleanser for heavy oil or waterproof makeup removal may find it too mild
Usage tips
Safety summary
Dihydroxyethyl Oleyl Glycinate is considered safe for use in cosmetics at typical concentrations. It has a low irritation and comedogenic risk, making it suitable for sensitive skin. No significant safety concerns have been reported in regulatory reviews.
Research notes
Amino-acid-based surfactants like this one are well-studied for their mildness and skin compatibility. While specific studies on this exact compound are limited, the broader class is supported by dermatological research showing reduced irritation compared to traditional sulfates.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- 1–10% in rinse-off products
- Regulatory status
- Approved for use in cosmetics in the EU, US, and other major markets. No known restrictions at typical use levels.
- Common uses
- Facial cleansers, Body washes, Shampoos, Makeup removers
- Environmental note
- Derived from renewable plant sources (oleic acid from olive oil) and amino acids, and is biodegradable, making it a more sustainable choice compared to petroleum-based surfactants.
Good to know
- This ingredient is often listed near the top of the ingredient list in gentle cleansers, indicating it is a primary surfactant.
- It is biodegradable and considered more environmentally friendly than some traditional surfactants.
Common questions
What is Dihydroxyethyl Oleyl Glycinate in beauty products?
This ingredient is a mild cleansing agent made from oleic acid (a fatty acid found in olive oil) and glycine (an amino acid). It helps remove dirt, oil, and makeup from your skin without being harsh or stripping away too much of your skin's natural moisture. Think of it as a gentle soap alternative that leaves your skin feeling clean but not tight or dry.
What does Dihydroxyethyl Oleyl Glycinate do in a beauty product?
In a cleanser, this molecule has a water-loving head and an oil-loving tail. When you lather it with water, it surrounds and lifts away dirt, oil, and makeup from your skin's surface. Because it is based on an amino acid, it has a pH close to that of healthy skin (around 5.5), so it cleans without disrupting your skin's protective barrier.
Is Dihydroxyethyl Oleyl Glycinate safe for most people?
Dihydroxyethyl Oleyl Glycinate is considered safe for use in cosmetics at typical concentrations. It has a low irritation and comedogenic risk, making it suitable for sensitive skin. No significant safety concerns have been reported in regulatory reviews.
Who should be careful with Dihydroxyethyl Oleyl Glycinate?
Individuals who need a very strong cleanser for heavy oil or waterproof makeup removal may find it too mild
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.