- Comedogenic
- 5 / 5
- Irritancy
- 2 / 5
- Fungal acne
- Trigger
- Type
- Emulsifier
- INCI name
- Oleth-3
- Also listed as
- Polyethylene Glycol Oleyl Ether
Who should avoid it?
Avoid in leave-on face products if you have oily, combination or acne-prone skin. It is usually fine on the body, in rinse-off products, or on very dry skin that does not break out.
Non-comedogenic swaps
| Swap to | Rating | Fungal acne |
|---|---|---|
| Glycerin | 0/5 | Safe |
Fungal-acne safe ingredients list
Frequently asked questions
Is Oleth-3 comedogenic?
Yes, it is pore-clogging. Oleth-3 has a comedogenic rating of 5 out of 5. An oleic-acid-derived emulsifier with severe pore-blocking potential.
Is Oleth-3 safe for fungal acne?
No. Oleth-3 can feed Malassezia yeast, so people with fungal acne usually avoid it.
Does Oleth-3 cause acne?
It can. Ingredients rated 3–5 are frequently linked to clogged pores and breakouts in acne-prone people, especially in leave-on products.
What are other names for Oleth-3?
On labels it can also appear as Polyethylene Glycol Oleyl Ether.