What Is Oleth-106?
Oleth-106 is a synthetic ingredient made by attaching roughly 106 units of ethylene oxide to oleyl alcohol, a fatty alcohol that comes from vegetable oils such as olive, sunflower or soybean. The result is a large molecule that has a fatty part on one end and a water-loving chain on the other, giving it the ability to mix oil and water.
The practice of joining ethylene oxide to fatty alcohols, known as ethoxylation, began gaining traction in the 1960s when chemists were searching for milder alternatives to soap. As formulas became more sophisticated during the 1980s and 1990s, versions with very high ethylene oxide counts like Oleth-106 found a niche because they create low-foam yet highly effective cleansers that feel silky on skin.
Today manufacturers produce Oleth-106 in large reactors where controlled amounts of ethylene oxide gas react with purified oleyl alcohol under heat and pressure. The finished material is a clear to pale yellow liquid or paste that dissolves easily in water.
You will usually spot Oleth-106 in rinse-off products that need to remove dirt or makeup while leaving skin and hair comfortable. Typical placements include facial cleansers, body washes, micellar waters, makeup removers and gentle shampoos. It may also appear in specialty wipes or exfoliating pads where a non-foaming yet effective cleanser is required.
Oleth-106’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
Oleth-106 plays a focused but valuable role in personal care formulas.
Cleansing: Thanks to its dual-nature structure, Oleth-106 surrounds oily grime and lifts it away when rinsed with water. Formulators like it because it is mild, produces little to no foam and helps leave a soft after-feel, making products more pleasant for people with dry or sensitive skin.
Who Can Use Oleth-106
Because Oleth-106 is a very mild, low-foam cleanser it generally works for all skin types, including dry, combination, oily and sensitive skin. Those with extremely reactive or eczema-prone skin should still watch for any irritation, as even gentle surfactants can be problematic when the skin barrier is compromised.
The ingredient is produced from vegetable-derived oleyl alcohol and synthetic ethylene oxide, so it is suitable for both vegans and vegetarians when sourced from suppliers that do not use animal by-products in processing.
No specific hazards have been flagged for pregnant or breastfeeding women, but this is not medical advice and anyone who is expecting or nursing should review any skincare product with their doctor to be certain it meets their individual needs.
Oleth-106 does not cause photosensitivity and it has no known interactions with sun exposure, acids or retinoids. Because it is usually formulated into rinse-off products it spends limited time on the skin, further reducing the chance of compatibility issues.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Side effects from topical use of Oleth-106 differ from person to person. The following points describe potential issues but most users will not experience them when the ingredient is properly formulated and used as directed.
- Mild skin irritation such as redness or itching
- Stinging sensation if applied to broken or highly sensitized skin
- Rare instances of allergic contact dermatitis
- Transient eye irritation if the product accidentally gets into the eyes
If any of these reactions occur stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional if symptoms persist or worsen.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 / 5
Oleth-106 is a large water-soluble surfactant that spends only a short time on skin before being rinsed away. Its molecular size keeps it from settling into pores and its structure is designed to disperse oils rather than leave a residue, so the likelihood of clogging is very low. A trace risk remains because it is derived from a fatty alcohol, hence the score of 1 instead of 0.
Suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin in most cases.
Because it is almost always used in rinse-off formulas, real-world exposure is brief which further lowers the chance of pore blockage.
Summary
Oleth-106 is primarily a mild cleansing agent that lifts away oil, makeup and debris by wrapping them in a water-friendly shell that rinses off cleanly. Its long chain of ethylene oxide units provides solubility and softness while the oleyl backbone grabs oily grime, creating low-foam formulas that leave skin and hair comfortable.
While not as famous as ingredients like sodium lauryl sulfate, it has a steady following among formulators who need an extra-gentle non-foaming cleanser for micellar waters, facial washes and specialty wipes.
Safety data show a low risk of irritation or allergy and virtually no comedogenicity when used as directed. Still, every skin type is unique so it is wise to patch test any new product containing Oleth-106 before adding it to a routine.