PROPYLENE GLYCOL OLETH-5
Surfactant - Emulsifying Agent
Also listed as
PROPYLENE GLYCOL POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL (5) OLEYL ETHER
Given the incomplete information made available by companies and the government, EWG provides additional information on personal care product ingredients from the published scientific literature. The chart below indicates that research studies have found that exposure to this ingredient -- not the products containing it -- caused the indicated health effect(s) in the studies reviewed by Skin Deep researchers. Actual health risks, if any, will vary based on the level of exposure to the ingredient and individual susceptibility -- information not available in Skin Deep.
| This ingredient: | |
 | Cancer |
| Developmental/reproductive toxicity |
| Violations, restrictions & warnings |
| Allergies/immunotoxicity |
 | Contamination concerns - ETHYLENE OXIDE, 1,4-DIOXANE |
 | Lesser or emerging concerns for this ingredient: Data gaps |
About PROPYLENE GLYCOL OLETH-5: Propylene Glycol Oleth-5 is the propylene glycol ether of Oleth-5 (q.v.) that conforms generallyto the formula: where x has an average value of 1 and y has an average value of 5.
This ingredient may be derived from animals. From PETA's Caring Consumer: Found in fish oils. Used in the manufacture of detergents, as a plasticizer for softening fabrics, and as a carrier for medications. Derivatives: Oleths, Oleyl Arachidate, Oleyl Imidazoline.
Data gaps
| type of concern | product conditions | reference |
| Not assessed for safety in cosmetics by industry panel |
Government, industry, academic studies and classifications
| government/industry list/academic study | appears on list as | classification(s) |
| CIR | PEG-6 | •Ethylene oxide |
references
| government/industry list/academic study | reference |
| Impurities - Open Scientific Literature | CIR |
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Copyright © 2010 by Environmental Working Group
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