Allowed in EU

Hexeth-5

A cosmetic ingredient used as cleansing, solvent, surfactant - cleansing in skincare, haircare, and personal-care products sold in the European Union.

What is it?

Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), \a-hexyl-\w-hydroxy-

What does it do?

Hexeth-5 is listed in the EU cosmetic ingredient inventory with the following declared functions:

  • Cleansing

    helps remove dirt, oil, makeup, and other contaminants from skin or hair

  • Solvent

    dissolves other ingredients into a uniform liquid phase

  • Surfactant - cleansing

    surfactant whose primary cosmetic role is cleansing — the active workhorse in soaps, shampoos, and body washes

  • Surfactant - emulsifying

    surfactant that forms and stabilises emulsions of oil and water — without it, creams and lotions would separate

  • Surfactant - hydrotrope

    surfactant that increases the solubility of poorly-soluble substances in water-based formulations

EU regulatory status

Hexeth-5 is allowed for use in cosmetic products in the European Union under Regulation 1223/2009. It is not subject to a specific Annex restriction at the time of writing.

Frequently asked questions

What is Hexeth-5?

Hexeth-5 is a cosmetic ingredient catalogued in the EU CosIng database. Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), \a-hexyl-\w-hydroxy-

Is Hexeth-5 allowed in cosmetics in the EU?

Yes. Hexeth-5 is allowed for use in cosmetic products in the EU under Regulation 1223/2009.

What does Hexeth-5 do in cosmetic products?

Hexeth-5 is declared in the EU cosmetic ingredient inventory with these functions: cleansing, solvent, surfactant - cleansing, surfactant - emulsifying, surfactant - hydrotrope.

What is the CAS number of Hexeth-5?

The CAS (Chemical Abstracts Service) number for Hexeth-5 is 31726-34-8.

Related ingredients

Source: EU CosIng database (European Commission). This page is derived from public-sector information published by the European Commission. · Last updated: 24/04/2018