The acronym INCI – International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients – covers a unique list of cosmetic ingredients used in the European Union. Oleth-100 is the name used in this system for oleic alcohol ethoxylated with 100 moles of ethylene oxide. It is a compound that acts as a solubilizer (dissolution mediator).
Oleth-100 belongs to the Oleth family of compounds consisting of polyethylene glycol and oleic alcohol ethers, where the number in the name is the average number of ethylene oxide moieties. The water solubility of Oleth components increases proportionally to the ethylene oxide content. Products containing Oleth-100 are often well soluble in low aliphatic alcohols, acetone, as well as in aromatic benzene. The CAS number of the compound is: 9004-98-2. It is a unique numerical term for a given chemical substance.This inventory was prepared by a US organization, Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS).At room temperature, Oleth-100 has a waxy consistency andwhite to creamy colour.
In cosmetic formulations, Oleth-100 acts as a solubilizer (dissolution mediator). In other words, it is an essential component needed to introduce water-insoluble or sparingly soluble substances into an aqueous solution. It is the basis of the correct composition of the preparation. This group includes, among others, plant extracts, fatty substances, as well as fragrance compositions. Oleth-100 is used as a washing agent to remove impurities from the surface of the hair and skin and so it is often found in products such as bath gels, soaps and scrubs. One must also mention hair cosmetics, including specialized products, such as conditioners and hairdressing balms. Additionally, it is used in certain groups of colour cosmetics.
Due to its properties, Oleth-100 is used in the agricultural industry. It is used in the production of plant protection products, both for specialized chemicals for cultivation and simple plant nutrition products. Moreover, the substance is used in the production of vulcanization elements.
Oleth-100 is not classified as dangerous. CIR(the Cosmetic Ingredient Review) experts determined the safety of use of products containing Oleth-100. No allergic or toxic effects have been demonstrated. As usual, the individual susceptibility to allergies of a given organism is of great importance. Nevertheless, the substance may cause slight irritation to the eyes and skin and generate the presence of a harmful toxin (1,4-dioxane) which is a secondary product of ethoxylation. Relevant product concentrations are carefully controlled. The marginal presence of the toxin increases the effectiveness of the product only by increasing the depth of skin penetration. As a result, the use of cosmetics containing Oleth-100 is safe. Currently, there is no confirmed information about the adverse environment impact of cosmetics containing Oleth-100. Newer tests are constantly carried out using the Oleth family to check the safety of use in cosmetics. Also, more comparative and verification tests of higher permissible concentrations of this substance are carried out.
