What Is Arachideth-22?
Arachideth-22 is a lab-made ingredient created by attaching about twenty-two units of ethylene oxide to arachidyl alcohol, a fatty alcohol that usually comes from peanut oil or other vegetable oils. This process, called ethoxylation, turns the original oil-based material into a water-friendly compound that mixes well with both oil and water.
The idea of linking fatty alcohols with ethylene oxide dates back to the mid-1900s when chemists looked for gentler, more flexible cleansers for skin and hair care. Over time Arachideth-22 proved useful because its long carbon chain gives it a soft, cushiony feel while the added ethylene oxide units boost its ability to blend ingredients smoothly.
Making it starts with purifying arachidyl alcohol from plant oils. The alcohol then reacts with ethylene oxide gas in a controlled setting until the average chain length hits twenty-two. The finished liquid or waxy solid is filtered and tested for purity before it heads to cosmetic labs.
You will most often spot Arachideth-22 in cream and lotion cleansers, facial masks, makeup removers, hair conditioners, sunscreens and lightweight moisturizing gels. Formulators like it because it keeps formulas stable and leaves a soft after-feel on skin and hair.
Arachideth-22’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
Here is what Arachideth-22 brings to the table in beauty products
- Cleansing: Helps lift away dirt, makeup and excess oil without stripping the skin, giving products a mild yet effective washing action.
- Emulsifying: Binds water and oil so lotions and creams stay smooth, stable and pleasant to apply, preventing separation during shelf life and use.
Who Can Use Arachideth-22
Arachideth-22 is generally well tolerated by most skin types, including dry, normal and sensitive skin, because it is a mild cleansing and emulsifying agent that does not usually disturb the skin’s natural balance. People with very oily or acne-prone skin can also use it, although they may prefer lighter formulas overall.
The ingredient is typically sourced from plant-derived arachidyl alcohol, making it suitable for vegans and vegetarians. As always it is smart to confirm that the finished product states a plant origin, since some manufacturers could hypothetically use animal-derived fatty alcohols.
Current cosmetic safety assessments have not flagged Arachideth-22 as a concern for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, and the molecule is unlikely to penetrate deeply or enter the bloodstream. This is not medical advice; anyone expecting or nursing should show their chosen products to a healthcare professional just to be safe.
Arachideth-22 does not increase the skin’s sensitivity to sunlight, so there is no added risk of photosensitivity when using it during the day. It is also odorless and non-volatile, which helps reduce the chance of inhalation issues in spray products.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Side effects and reactions to the topical use of Arachideth-22 can vary from person to person. The points below list potential issues but they are uncommon for the average user when the ingredient is properly formulated and used as directed.
- Mild skin irritation: A small number of users may notice temporary redness, itching or dryness, especially if the product contains other strong actives or fragrances
- Allergic contact dermatitis: Very rare allergy to the fatty alcohol backbone or trace impurities can trigger a rash or swelling
- Eye irritation: Products that accidentally get into the eyes may cause stinging or watering until rinsed out
- Build-up on hair: Repeated use in leave-in hair products could leave a slight film that weighs hair down in fine hair types
- Trace 1,4-dioxane contamination: Ethoxylated ingredients can contain minute levels of this by-product but reputable brands keep it well below safety limits
If you experience any discomfort, stop using the product and consult a healthcare provider or dermatologist.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 / 5
The ethoxylation step that turns arachidyl alcohol into Arachideth-22 gives the molecule a water-loving character that prevents it from building up inside pores. It behaves more like a gentle surfactant than a heavy fatty alcohol so it almost never blocks follicles or triggers comedones.
Acne-prone and breakout-prone skin can usually use products containing Arachideth-22 without added risk.
Keep in mind that overall pore-clogging potential depends on the full recipe; pairing this ingredient with thick butters or waxes can still feel heavy on very oily skin.
Summary
Arachideth-22 acts mainly as a cleanser and emulsifier. Its long fatty chain grabs onto oils and debris while the string of ethylene oxide units keeps it comfortably dispersed in water, letting it lift grime away and hold oil-and-water mixes together in a stable, silky texture.
It is a helpful workhorse rather than a headline star so it shows up quietly in lotions, cream cleansers and conditioners where formulators need stability without greasiness.
Current safety reviews consider it low risk with minimal irritation, trace impurity levels kept well below regulatory limits and virtually no penetration past the skin’s surface. As with any new cosmetic ingredient it is wise to patch test a product first to rule out individual sensitivities.