Octyldodeceth-16 is a polyethylene glycol ether of the fatty alcohol octyldodecanol used in cosmetic formulations as a nonionic surfactant, emulsifier, and solubilizer to help blend oil and water phases and disperse poorly soluble ingredients. It functions as a formulation aid rather than a treatment active.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Mild skin irritation | Rare | Occasional transient redness or stinging, typically at higher concentrations or on compromised skin. |
Contact dermatitis/sensitization | Very rare | Allergic reactions to ethoxylated surfactants are uncommonly reported. |
Eye irritation | Uncommon | As with many surfactants, can cause stinging or irritation on direct ocular contact. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.