Octyldodeceth-16

Octyldodeceth-16 is a nonionic ethoxylated fatty alcohol used as a solubilizer/emulsifier (often a few percent) in cleansers, micellar products, and lotions. As a class, ethoxylated surfactant-like ingredients are generally well tolerated but can sting or cause irritant dermatitis in compromised barriers (eczema, post-procedure), especially in leave-on formulas or when combined with other surfactants. It is not a common allergen, but given sensitive-skin and cumulative-routine considerations, it merits a gentle (not “very gentle”) score. Safety Notes: Octyldodeceth-16 is a nonionic ethoxylated surfactant/solubilizer and emulsifier commonly used at very low levels (~0.1–1%) in leave-on serums, sprays, and makeup to solubilize fragrances/oils or aid emulsification. In higher-surfactant systems (cleansers, micellar waters, makeup removers) and some anhydrous-to-aqueous cleansing oils/balms, commercial OTC formulas can push it into the mid-to-high single digits, with the upper end (~10–15%) seen in concentrated solubilizing or cleansing bases where it is a primary surfactant/emulsifier. No specific global OTC concentration cap is typically set for this ingredient beyond general cosmetic safety and impurity control, so market maxima are driven mainly by irritation/tolerability and stability constraints.