Common Name(s): Oleth-3,peg-3 oleyl ether,peg-3 octadecenol ether

CAS Number: 9004-98-2

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Helps oil and water blend in rich creams and leaves a smooth, silky skin feel.

Why It's Used: Low-hlb (~6–7) emulsifier from the oleth series; oleyl unsaturation keeps it liquid for easy processing.

How It Works: 3 eo units give hlb ~6–7; c18:1 oleyl chain provides liquid character; w/o co-emulsification or o/w emulsification with high-hlb partners.

Typically Found In: Rich creams,emollient formulas,w/o emulsions

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Functional ingredient – emulsifier

Secondary Functions: Emollient,skin conditioning

Application Areas:

Typical Concentration Range: 0.5%–5%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Conditional - feedstock declaration required

Halal Status: Unverified - feedstock declaration required (plant, animal and petrochemical routes all exist)

Source Notes: Oleyl alcohol from plant; eo from petrochemical. [audit 2026-07-29 rev2: origin-dependent: the same inci exists in plant, animal and petrochemical versions and the name does not discriminate. determination requires shariah-panel sign-off.]

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 2/5 – low-moderate

Sensitivity Concerns: Well tolerated; cir reviewed oleth series.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Good safety profile. ewg score: 1–2.

Works Well With: Emollients,fatty alcohols,high-hlb emulsifiers

Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Oleth-3 (hlb ~6-7) is the lowest eo commercial variant of the oleth series; liquid oleyl chain means no wax-like crystallization issues; cas 9004-98-2 covers the broad ethoxylate distribution.

Last Verified: 2026-03-27

Primary Sources: Cosing database,inci dictionary,cas 9004-98-2