How we scored it
Where it comes from
Oleyl alcohol, a C18 fatty alcohol typically from olive, sunflower or tallow oleochemistry, is ethoxylated with about 3 moles of petrochemical ethylene oxide. Petrochemical Ziegler/oxo oleyl alcohol also exists as a minor supplier route.
In plain English
An emulsifier that helps mix oil and water in creams and lotions. It's made from a plant/animal-derived fatty alcohol reacted with a small amount of ethylene oxide, a petroleum-based building block.
CosIng definition: Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), .alpha.-9-(Z)-octadecenyl-.omega.-hydroxy (3 mol EO average molar ratio)
Natural alternatives with the same function
A waxy fatty acid from peanut and other vegetable oils, used to thicken formulas and give creams and…
Arachidyl Glucoside 100% natural originA gentle, sugar-based emulsifier used in creams and lotions to stabilize formulas without harsh surfactants. It's made from…
Behenic Acid 100% natural originA long-chain fatty acid from vegetable oil, used to thicken and stabilise creams and conditioners. It is extracted…
C10-16 Alkyl Glucoside 100% natural originA mild, sugar-based cleansing and emulsifying surfactant made by combining plant-derived fatty alcohols (coconut/palm) with glucose from starch.…
C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside 100% natural originA mild, sugar-based cleansing ingredient made from coconut or palm fatty alcohols and glucose; helps cleanse skin and…
C18-36 Acid 100% natural originA blend of long-chain plant fatty acids used as a mild cleanser and thickener, giving body and a…
References
- 1ISO 16128-1:2016 and ISO 16128-2:2017 — Guidelines on technical definitions and criteria for natural and organic cosmetic ingredients and products. ISO, Geneva.
- 2OLETH-3. CosIng — European Commission cosmetic ingredient database. ec.europa.eu/cosing ↗
- 3OLETH-3. CosIng u2014 European Commission database for information on cosmetic substances and ingredients. https://ec.europa.eu/growth/tools-databases/cosing/search?search=OLETH-3