Abstract
The Oleth family of ingredients are the polyethylene glycol (PEG) ethers of oleyl alcohol. They are manufactured by the ethoxylation of oleyl alcohol with the number of moles of ethylene oxide corresponding to the average polyethylene glycol chain length desired. Not all of the polymer chain lengths covered in this assessment are currently reported to be used, but all are listed as cosmetic ingredients and may have been used in the past and could be used in the future. Oleths are surfactants used as emulsifying, cleansing, and solubilizing agents in cosmetic formulations. Limited safety test data are available on ingredients in the Oleth family, all consistent with surfactant properties. In feeding studies, Oleth-20 was associated with reduced body weight gain. Hepatic lesions in one exposure group were not found in any other exposure group, but were found in the controls. Oleth-20 and Oleth-10 were found to have moderate ocular irritation potential, and Oleth-10 was considered to be a cumulative skin irritant. Toxicity data, including reproductive and developmental toxicity, carcinogenesis data, and clinical testing data, available from previous safety assessments on Polyethylene Glycol and Oleyl Alcohol, were summarized. The principal finding related to PEGs, based on clinical data in burn patients, is that PEGs were mild irritant/sensitizers and there was evidence of nephrotoxicity. No such effects were seen in animal studies on intact skin. Cosmetic manufacturers should adjust product formulations containing Polyethylene Glycol to minimize any untoward effects when products are used on damaged skin. Although metabolites of ethylene glycol monoalkyl ethers are reproductive and developmental toxins, it was considered unlikely that the relevant metabolites would be found in or produced from the use of Oleths in cosmetic formulations. Of concern was the possible presence of 1,4-dioxane and ethylene oxide impurities. The importance of using the necessary purification procedures to remove these impurities was stressed. Based on particle size and cosmetic use considerations, it was not considered that these ingredients, in formulation, are respirable. Based in part on the limited data available on Oleths included in the report and on the previous reviews of Polyethylene Glycol and Oleyl Alcohol, it was concluded that Oleth-2, -3, -4, -5, -6, -7, -8, -9, -10, -11, -12, -15, -16, -20, -23, -25, -30, -40, -44, and -50 are safe in the present practices of use.