Ingredient review
Oleth-23
INCI: Oleth-23
Oleth-23 is a gentle synthetic emulsifier that helps mix water and oil in your products, but it may be less common in modern 'clean' beauty formulas.
In plain English
Oleth-23 is a man-made ingredient that acts like a bridge between water and oil in your skincare. Without it, many lotions and creams would separate into watery and oily layers. It's a type of surfactant, meaning it can also help cleanse by trapping dirt and oil so they rinse away. Think of it as a behind-the-scenes helper that keeps your product smooth and stable.
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
- synthetic
- Evidence
- moderate
- Irritation
- low
- Clogging risk
- low
Quick decision guide
Useful, but context matters
Oleth-23 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 Oleth-23.
- 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
Oleth-23 is a polyethylene glycol (PEG) derivative of oleyl alcohol, a fatty alcohol from plant oils. The '23' refers to the number of ethylene oxide units added, which makes it water-friendly. It's a white to off-white waxy solid at room temperature.
How it works
In a formula, Oleth-23 sits at the boundary between oil and water droplets, lowering the surface tension so they mix into a stable emulsion. This prevents your cream from separating and gives it a smooth, uniform texture. As a surfactant, it also helps lift dirt and oil from your skin when used in cleansers.
Pros
Effective stabilizer
Oleth-23 reliably prevents oil and water from separating, so your lotion stays smooth and doesn't need shaking before each use.
Low irritation potential
It's considered very mild on skin, making it suitable for daily use in cleansers and moisturizers without causing stinging or redness for most people.
Cons and cautions
PEG-related concerns
As a PEG compound, Oleth-23 can be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane during manufacturing. Reputable brands purify it, but it's a reason some people avoid it.
Not biodegradable
Oleth-23 is not readily biodegradable, which is a consideration for environmentally conscious consumers looking for greener options.
Best for
- Anyone using lotions, creams, or cleansers who wants a stable, well-mixed product
- People with normal to dry skin looking for a gentle emulsifier
Use caution if
- Those who prefer to avoid PEG-derived ingredients due to potential processing impurities
Usage tips
Safety summary
Oleth-23 is generally safe for topical use at typical concentrations. The main safety concern is potential contamination with 1,4-dioxane during manufacturing, but reputable suppliers and brands control for this. It has low irritation and comedogenic risk.
Research notes
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) panel reviewed PEG derivatives and concluded they are safe for use in cosmetics when formulated to minimize impurities. No significant human or animal studies raise red flags for Oleth-23 specifically.
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 deemed it safe as used.
- Common uses
- Cleansers, Moisturizers, Makeup removers, Shampoos
- Environmental note
- Oleth-23 is not readily biodegradable, which may be a concern for aquatic environments. It is synthetic and derived from petrochemicals.
Good to know
- Oleth-23 is often used alongside Oleth-2 or Oleth-10 to fine-tune emulsion stability.
- It's considered safe by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) panel at typical use levels.
Common questions
What is Oleth-23 in beauty products?
Oleth-23 is a man-made ingredient that acts like a bridge between water and oil in your skincare. Without it, many lotions and creams would separate into watery and oily layers. It's a type of surfactant, meaning it can also help cleanse by trapping dirt and oil so they rinse away. Think of it as a behind-the-scenes helper that keeps your product smooth and stable.
What does Oleth-23 do in a beauty product?
In a formula, Oleth-23 sits at the boundary between oil and water droplets, lowering the surface tension so they mix into a stable emulsion. This prevents your cream from separating and gives it a smooth, uniform texture. As a surfactant, it also helps lift dirt and oil from your skin when used in cleansers.
Is Oleth-23 safe for most people?
Oleth-23 is generally safe for topical use at typical concentrations. The main safety concern is potential contamination with 1,4-dioxane during manufacturing, but reputable suppliers and brands control for this. It has low irritation and comedogenic risk.
Who should be careful with Oleth-23?
Those who prefer to avoid PEG-derived ingredients due to potential processing impurities
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.