What Is Dea-Oleth-10 Phosphate?
Dea-Oleth-10 Phosphate is a man-made ingredient created by reacting oleyl alcohol (a fatty alcohol obtained from vegetable oils) with about ten units of ethylene oxide, then neutralizing the resulting phosphate with diethanolamine. This process turns a normally oily material into a water-friendly molecule that can mix oil and water. The ingredient first appeared in personal care formulas in the late 20th century when chemists were searching for gentler alternatives to traditional sulfates. Because it offers both cleansing and emulsifying power without feeling harsh on skin it quickly found a place in shampoos, facial cleansers, body washes, exfoliating scrubs, makeup removers, micellar waters and even some lightweight lotions.
Dea-Oleth-10 Phosphate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
Formulators turn to Dea-Oleth-10 Phosphate for two main reasons:
- Cleansing: The ingredient surrounds dirt and excess oil so they can be rinsed away with water. Its mild nature helps keep skin and hair from feeling stripped or squeaky.
- Emulsifying: It binds oil and water into a stable mixture. This lets products like lotions or creamy cleansers stay smooth, prevents separation on the shelf and creates a pleasant, consistent texture during use.
Who Can Use Dea-Oleth-10 Phosphate
Because it is a mild cleanser and emulsifier, Dea-Oleth-10 Phosphate is generally well tolerated by most skin types including dry, normal or oily skin. Its gentle nature means even sensitive or eczema-prone users often find it comfortable, though anyone with a known intolerance to diethanolamine-based compounds should proceed with caution.
The ingredient is synthesized from plant-derived oleyl alcohol and petrochemical-derived diethanolamine but no animal-derived substances are involved, so products featuring it are typically considered suitable for both vegetarians and vegans. That said, certification depends on the full formula so dedicated vegan users may still want to check the finished product label.
No research suggests a specific risk for pregnant or breastfeeding women when the ingredient is used topically in rinse-off or leave-on cosmetics. Still, this is not medical advice and anyone who is expecting or nursing should run new skincare products past a healthcare professional to be on the safe side.
Dea-Oleth-10 Phosphate does not induce photosensitivity, so it will not make skin more prone to sunburn. Standard sun protection practices remain important for overall skin health.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical Dea-Oleth-10 Phosphate can vary from person to person. The points below outline potential side effects only. When the ingredient is used at appropriate levels in a well-formulated product most people will not experience these issues.
- Skin irritation – Very sensitive skin may feel mild stinging or redness, especially with high-concentration or leave-on products
- Contact dermatitis – Rare allergy to either the phosphate group or diethanolamine portion could trigger itching, rash or swelling
- Eye irritation – If a cleanser gets into the eyes the surfactant action may cause temporary burning or watering
- Scalp dryness – Daily use in shampoos might leave some scalps feeling tight if the formula lacks replenishing conditioners
If any of these reactions occur stop using the product and seek guidance from a healthcare professional or dermatologist.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5
Dea-Oleth-10 Phosphate is primarily a water-soluble cleansing agent so it does not sit on skin or clog pores the way heavier oils and waxes can. Its molecular structure is designed to lift away sebum rather than add an occlusive film, which keeps the risk of pore blockage low.
Because of this low rating it is generally considered suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin. Only extremely sensitive users who react to surfactants in general might notice issues, but true comedogenicity is unlikely.
No data suggest that it worsens fungal acne, and its rinse-off nature in most formulas further decreases residue left behind on skin.
Summary
Dea-Oleth-10 Phosphate acts as a mild surfactant that cleans by surrounding dirt and oil so they can be washed away, and as an emulsifier that bonds water with oil to keep creams or washes smooth and stable. Its phosphate head loves water while its fatty tail loves oil, letting it bridge the two phases with ease.
While not as famous as sulfates or newer sulfate-free stars it has carved out a quiet spot in gentle shampoos micellar waters and creamy cleansers thanks to its balanced performance.
Current safety reviews classify it as low risk when used at normal cosmetic levels. Most people tolerate it well but, as with any new skincare ingredient, patch testing a finished product is a smart precaution to catch unexpected reactions early.