Oleth-18 is the name used in this system for oleic alcohol ethoxylated with 18 moles of ethylene oxide. It is a compound that most often acts as a hydrophilic emulsifier. The name comes from the INCI system. The acronym means the International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients. The manufacturers of cosmetics in the European Union are obliged to follow the adopted nomenclature of ingredients and correctly place the packaging labels.
The Oleth family is extensive. More precisely, they are substances of the mutual correlation of polyethylene glycol ethers and oleic alcohol. The number shown is the average number of ethylene oxide moieties constituting the substance. The solubility of this group in water increases proportionally to the amount of ethylene oxide, i.e. with the number in the name. The Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) number of this compound is: 9004-98-2. At room temperature, Oleth-18 has a consistency of a paste.The compound has good solubility in water and alcohols. Like all products in this group, due to the possibility of production from natural raw materials, it can be almost completely biodegradable.
In cosmetic products, Oleth-18 acts as a hydrophilic emulsifier and dispersant. In other words, it is an essential component required to maintain the proper texture. The compound has good washing properties. It is used in many cosmetics to maintain proper body hygiene. These include gels, lotions and shampoos. More importantly, it is a substance used not only in cosmetics for humans, but also for animals. Due to their unique washing properties, many specialized products intended for the care of animals contain compounds from the Oleth family. Used in the right concentration in specialized cosmetic preparations, Oleth-18 supports the treatment of skin problems manifested by excessive exfoliation of the epidermis and irritation caused by seborrhoea in animals.
Thanks to its dispersing properties, Oleth-18 is also widely used in household chemicals and in detergents dedicated for fabrics. Its softening properties makes Oleth-18 applicable in the textile industry. In addition, this compound is present in the compositions of polishing products for various surfaces. Among those are: dedicated polishing pastes for various materials, as well as common furniture sprays. Additionally, in the agricultural industry, it is used as an emulsifier in plant protection products covering various types of classification of these chemical agents.
The compound is not classified as dangerous. The safety of use of Oleth-18-containing products has been determined by CIR(the Cosmetic Ingredient Review) experts. It is not a toxic substance. Sensitizing properties are an individual matter. When using products containing Oleth-18, there is a risk of the presence of harmful dioxane, which is a by-product of the ethoxylation process. Manufacturers are required to carefully control cosmetics in order to ensure the correct and safe marginal concentration of the product, which also ensures greater penetration of other active ingredients, increasing the effectiveness of use of specialized cosmetics. There is no scientifically confirmed information about the adverse environment impact of cosmetics containing Oleth-18. However, it can cause eye irritation.
