Oleth-20
Reviewed by Emma · Last updated 18 Aug 2026
Also known as: Oleths
Non-ionic surfactant and cleansing agent | Helps oil and water ingredients merge within formulas
Addresses
EWG Safety Score
What Is Oleth-20?
Oleth-20 is an emulsifying, cleansing and solubilizing agent used in skin care. It can be plant- or animal-derived or produced synthetically.
As an emulsifier, it’s used to help oil and water ingredients blend within formulations, creating stability and preventing separation. Outside of this, oleth-20 is a non-ionic surfactant and cleansing agent, helping to cleanse skin’s surface, and a solubilizer, where it helps incorporate compounds, like fragrance, into product formulas.
Studies suggest oleth-20 may also help active ingredients permeate skin, allowing for better penetration.
Reports suggesting oleth-20 is pore-clogging (comedogenic) aren’t completely substantiated as more research needs to be completed to determine such a claim.
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel deemed oleth-20 as safe for use in cosmetics in current concentration levels (0.01%-17.0%).
Clinical Evidence & References
Published Research
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"Screening of Surfactants for Improved Delivery of Antimicrobials and Poly-Lactic-co-Glycolic Acid Particles in Wound Tissue," Pharmaceutics, July 2021, pages 1-14 [https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics13071095]
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"Safety Assessment of Alkyl PEG Ethers as Used in Cosmetics," International Journal of Toxicology, Sep-Oct 2012, pages 169S-244S [https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1091581812444141]
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"An Enhanced Dissolving Cyclosporin-A Inhalable Powder Efficiently Reduces SARS-CoV-2 Infection In Vitro," Pharmaceutics, March 2023, pages 1-11 [https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics15031023]
Frequently Asked Questions
From the Clinic
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An emulsifying agent that helps bind water and oil in skincare formulations
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An emulsifier that helps blend water and oil-based ingredients in formulations
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