Skincare Ingredient
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Octyldodeceth-16
In Skincare: Is Octyldodeceth-16 Safe? Comedogenic Rating & Side Effects
Safety Information
Quick Insights
At a glance
- 01
Octyldodeceth-16 functions as an emulsifier, helping to blend oil and water-based ingredients in cosmetic formulations.
- 02
In addition to its emulsifying properties, octyldodeceth-16 also acts as a surfactant.
- 03
The CIR Expert Panel has determined octyldodeceth-16 to be safe as used in cosmetics.
Overview
Ingredient Profile
Role of Octyldodeceth-16
Active Cosmetic Mechanisms
SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING
Emulsifying SurfactantBlends oil and water phases into stable mixtures
SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS
// Evidence: Emulsifying surfactants enable creation of stable oil-in-water or water-in-oil emulsions by positioning at oil-water interface, reducing interfacial tension. HLB (hydrophilic-lipophilic balance) determines emulsion type: HLB 3-6 for W/O, HLB 8-18 for O/W emulsions. Examples include polysorbate 80, ceteareth-20, glyceryl stearate. Mechanism involves forming interfacial film preventing droplet coalescence. Often used in combinations with co-emulsifiers (fatty alcohols) creating lamellar structures for enhanced stability.
Products
containing Octyldodeceth-16
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References
Scientific sources
CoSmile Europe, Website, Accessed January 2025
Cosmetic Ingredient Review, Website, Accessed January 2025
Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists in Korea, March 2023, pages 17-27
Journal of Korean Applied Science and Technology, June 2019, pages 609-622
Similar Ingredients
Ingredients with similar chemical profiles and skincare properties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Octyldodeceth-16 — common questions
What is Octyldodeceth-16 in skincare?
Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), .alpha.-(2-octyldodecyl)-.omega.-hydroxy- (16 mol EO average molar ratio)
What does Octyldodeceth-16 do? / Functions of Octyldodeceth-16?
Common functions: SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING.
What is the comedogenic rating of Octyldodeceth-16? / Is Octyldodeceth-16 comedogenic?
The comedogenic rating of Octyldodeceth-16 has not been established in our database.
Does it clog pores?
Whether Octyldodeceth-16 clogs pores depends on the formulation and concentration.
Is Octyldodeceth-16 safe for skin?
Octyldodeceth-16 has a safety rating of 2 out of 5. A rating of 2 means it is generally considered safe for most skin types. Note: Ethoxylated fatty alcohol surfactant generally considered low risk in cosmetics by safety reviews e.g. CIR; may mildly irritate very sensitive skin and can have trace impurities like 1,4-dioxane. The
Is Octyldodeceth-16 good for sensitive skin?
Octyldodeceth-16 tolerance on sensitive skin varies by individual.
What are the side effects of Octyldodeceth-16 in skincare?
Known considerations: Ethoxylated fatty alcohol surfactant generally considered low risk in cosmetics by safety reviews e.g. CIR; may mildly irritate very sensitive skin and can have trace impurities like 1,4-dioxane. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel concluded it is safe for use in rinse-off products at current concentrations, but limited data exists for leave-on products.