What Is Arachideth-32?
Arachideth-32 is made by attaching an average of 32 ethylene oxide units to arachidyl alcohol, a fatty alcohol that often comes from plant oils such as peanut or rapeseed. This process, called ethoxylation, turns the waxy alcohol into a water-friendly ingredient that mixes well with oils and dirt. The result is a smooth, pale liquid or solid that blends easily into many cosmetic bases.
The rise of synthetic surfactants in the 1950s opened the door for ingredients like Arachideth-32. Chemists were looking for gentle yet effective cleansers and stabilizers, and poly-ethylene glycol ethers of fatty alcohols fit the bill. Since then, Arachideth-32 has become a quiet workhorse in skin and hair formulas.
You will most often spot Arachideth-32 in facial cleansers, creamy body washes, makeup removers, lotions, light moisturizers, rinse-off masks, hair conditioners and some styling creams. Its dual ability to clean and keep oil and water together makes it handy in both rinse-off and leave-on products.
Arachideth-32’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
Here is how Arachideth-32 helps a formula perform at its best:
- Cleansing: Its surfactant nature lifts away oil, makeup and everyday grime so they can be rinsed from skin or hair without harsh scrubbing
- Emulsifying: It holds oil and water in a stable mixture which keeps creams from separating, improves texture and ensures even delivery of other active ingredients
Who Can Use Arachideth-32
Arachideth-32 is considered gentle enough for most skin types, including normal, oily and combination skin. Dry or very sensitive skin can usually tolerate it as well since it is less stripping than stronger detergents, though very high levels in a formula could feel a bit drying.
The ingredient is typically sourced from plant oils such as peanut or rapeseed so products that exclusively use plant-derived Arachideth-32 are suitable for vegans and vegetarians. If you are strictly avoiding animal-derived ingredients it is worth checking with the brand to confirm the origin of the fatty alcohol used.
No evidence suggests that topical Arachideth-32 poses a risk to women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. That said this is not medical advice and anyone who is expecting or nursing should run any skincare product past a qualified physician just to be safe.
Arachideth-32 does not make skin more prone to sunburn and has no known interactions with UV exposure.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to any cosmetic ingredient can differ from person to person. The following points list potential but uncommon side effects linked to the topical use of Arachideth-32 when it is properly formulated in consumer products.
- Mild skin dryness or tightness
- Transient stinging or redness on very sensitive skin
- Allergic contact dermatitis in individuals already allergic to polyethylene glycol compounds
- Eye irritation if the raw ingredient or a high-foaming product accidentally gets into the eyes
If you experience any of the above reactions discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 / 5
Arachideth-32 earns a very low score because the 32 ethylene oxide units make it highly water-soluble, preventing the heavy fatty portion from building up inside pores. It is normally used at modest levels and is often part of rinse-off products, both of which further reduce any clogging risk. In most cases acne-prone users can use it without worrying about extra breakouts. The only time concerns might arise is if the ingredient sits on skin in a very thick, occlusive formula, which is uncommon.
Summary
Arachideth-32 is a workhorse surfactant-emulsifier that lifts away dirt while keeping oil and water blended so lotions, washes and conditioners stay smooth and stable. It is not a headline ingredient but formulators rely on it quietly in many mainstream cleansers and creams. Studies and decades of consumer use show it to be low-irritation and non-sensitizing for the vast majority of people, with only rare dryness or allergy reports. As with any new skincare product it is smart to do a quick patch test to be sure your skin agrees with the full formula.