What Is Oleth-82?
Oleth-82 is a liquid ingredient made by attaching about eighty-two units of ethylene oxide to oleyl alcohol, a fatty alcohol that often comes from vegetable oils such as olive or sunflower. The result is a large, partly water-loving and partly oil-loving molecule that works well as a surfactant, meaning it can mix oil and water and lift away dirt. Chemists began making ethoxylated surfactants like Oleth-82 in the mid-20th century when the beauty industry wanted gentler yet effective cleansers for skin and hair. Production takes place in closed reactors where oleyl alcohol reacts with ethylene oxide under heat and pressure, then the mixture is purified to remove any leftover raw materials. Thanks to its reliable cleansing power and mild feel, Oleth-82 shows up in facial washes, body washes, shampoos, micellar waters, makeup removers and exfoliating masks.
Oleth-82’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
In formulas Oleth-82 shines mainly because of its cleansing ability. By lowering the surface tension between water and oils it helps loosen makeup, sweat and excess sebum so they rinse away easily. At the same time its fatty alcohol backbone gives a softer, less stripping feel than harsher detergents which helps products leave skin and hair feeling clean yet comfortable.
Who Can Use Oleth-82
Because Oleth-82 is mainly a gentle cleansing surfactant it tends to suit most skin types including oily, combination, normal and even dry skin that is easily stripped by stronger detergents. Sensitive skin usually tolerates it as well since the molecule is large and not highly reactive, yet those with a known sensitivity to ethoxylated ingredients might prefer to avoid it or choose formulas with a very low percentage.
The ingredient itself can be sourced from plant-derived oleyl alcohol so it is generally viewed as suitable for vegans and vegetarians. If this matters to you always confirm that the finished product specifies a vegetable origin and has not been tested on animals.
Current data show no specific concerns for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding when Oleth-82 is used topically in rinse-off or leave-on cosmetics. However this is not medical advice and pregnant or nursing users should run any skincare product past a healthcare professional just to be safe.
Oleth-82 does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight so it is not considered a photosensitizer. It also mixes well with most common cosmetic ingredients which keeps formulation conflicts to a minimum.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to any cosmetic ingredient can vary from person to person. The points below list potential side effects of topical Oleth-82 use, but most people will not experience them when the ingredient is formulated and used correctly.
- Mild skin irritation such as transient redness or itching, usually in people with very sensitive skin or when the product is left on for long periods
- Eye stinging if a high-foaming cleanser accidentally gets into the eyes
- Contact dermatitis in rare cases of allergy or when combined with other irritants in a formula
- Scalp dryness if used in a shampoo with an unusually high surfactant load
If you notice any persistent discomfort stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 / 5
Oleth-82 is a large, water-soluble surfactant that rinses off easily and does not linger in pores, so it has a very low chance of clogging them. Its fatty alcohol part is balanced by the long chain of ethylene oxide units, which keeps the molecule light and non-occlusive. For this reason people who are prone to acne or breakouts can generally use products containing Oleth-82 without extra worry.
No specific data link Oleth-82 to fungal acne triggers, and it is not known to interact with sebum in a way that would form hard plugs, further supporting its low score.
Summary
Oleth-82 is mainly a cleansing agent that lifts oil, makeup and daily grime by lowering surface tension and allowing water to wash them away. Its mix of a fatty alcohol base and many ethylene oxide units lets it clean while feeling gentle and cushioning on skin and hair.
You will see Oleth-82 in face washes, body washes, shampoos and some micellar waters, though it is not as famous as household names like sodium laureth sulfate. Brands choose it when they want a mild yet effective cleanser that plays nicely with other ingredients.
Current research and decades of use show Oleth-82 to be safe for topical use in both rinse-off and leave-on products when formulated within standard levels. As with any new product it is wise to do a quick patch test to check personal tolerance, especially if your skin is sensitive.