Oleth-5 is an ethoxylated oleyl alcohol with five moles of ethylene oxide, an off-white, hazy liquid with a mild, characteristic odor (virtually odorless). It is a nonionic and fully biodegradable surfactant with diverse emulsifying characteristics and an HLB value of 8.8, allowing it to confer unique bodying, spreading, and stabilizing properties to emulsions.
Meanwhile, the ether linkage in its structure confers exceptional stability. The absence of an ester linkage in Oleth-5 virtually eliminates any tendency for it to hydrolyze. Given these conditions, it is incredibly tolerant of strong acids and alkalis and can tolerate higher levels of electrolytes than ester-type surfactants can.
Experience has shown that gels formulated with a lower ethoxylate, such as Oleth-5, are much more desirable since they appear less irritating than those utilizing more highly ethoxylated compounds (15+ moles EO). It is extremely valuable as a co-emulsifier in microemulsions and an emollient with superfatting properties against the degreasing effects of shampoos and other cleansing applications.
Because it tends to lower the temperature at which these systems gel, Oleth-5 can produce clear gels with a more manageable set point, easing their formulation. The resultant gel is rheologically superior and aesthetically more appealing.Oleth-5 is highly effective as a solubilizer for the bromo acid dyes used in lipsticks and as a coupling agent to improve the product's homogeneity. Bath oils using this ingredient as the dispersing agent are less likely to develop haziness or form a precipitate.
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