Is Oleth-3 Comedogenic?
Comedogenic rating: 5/5 — Very likely to clog pores
Oleth-3 is an emulsifier that binds the oil and water phases of a formula together. In cosmetics it is typically found in lotions, creams and cleansing products. On a label it may also appear as oleth 3.
| Comedogenic rating | 5/5 — Very likely to clog pores |
|---|---|
| Pore-clogging | Likely |
| Fungal-acne safe | No — potential trigger |
| Category | Emulsifier |
| Also known as | oleth 3 |
Is Oleth-3 comedogenic?
Yes — Oleth-3 is considered highly comedogenic, scoring 5 out of 5. That means it has a strong tendency to block pores and is a well-known trigger for closed comedones, blackheads and breakouts on acne-prone skin. If your skin is oily or congestion-prone, Oleth-3 is one of the ingredients most worth avoiding in leave-on facial products, though it can still be fine in short-contact rinse-off products or on the body.
Does Oleth-3 cause fungal acne?
Separately from pore-clogging, Oleth-3 is considered a potential fungal-acne (Malassezia) trigger. Fungal acne — properly called Malassezia folliculitis — appears as small, uniform, sometimes itchy bumps, and is fed by certain oils, fatty acids and esters. This is a different problem from comedogenic clogging, so if you are prone to fungal acne you may want to avoid Oleth-3 even when its comedogenic rating is low.
Should you use Oleth-3 if you're acne-prone?
If you are acne-prone, it is safest to keep Oleth-3 away from your face in leave-on products. It can still be useful for dry body skin, hair, or in cleansers where it is quickly rinsed off. Normal and dry skin types often tolerate it without issue.
How Oleth-3 compares to other emulsifiers
| Ingredient | Rating | Pore-clogging |
|---|---|---|
| Oleth-3 | 5/5 | Likely |
| Polysorbate 20 | 0/5 | Unlikely |
| Polysorbate 80 | 0/5 | Unlikely |
| Glyceryl Stearate | 1/5 | Unlikely |
| Glyceryl Stearate SE | 3/5 | Likely |
| Ceteareth-20 | 4/5 | Likely |
| PEG-16 Lanolin | 4/5 | Likely |
Frequently asked questions
Is Oleth-3 comedogenic?
Yes — Oleth-3 is considered highly comedogenic, scoring 5 out of 5. That means it has a strong tendency to block pores and is a well-known trigger for closed comedones, blackheads and breakouts on acne-prone skin. If your skin is oily or congestion-prone, Oleth-3 is one of the ingredients most worth avoiding in leave-on facial products, though it can still be fine in short-contact rinse-off products or on the body.
Does Oleth-3 cause fungal acne?
Separately from pore-clogging, Oleth-3 is considered a potential fungal-acne (Malassezia) trigger. Fungal acne — properly called Malassezia folliculitis — appears as small, uniform, sometimes itchy bumps, and is fed by certain oils, fatty acids and esters. This is a different problem from comedogenic clogging, so if you are prone to fungal acne you may want to avoid Oleth-3 even when its comedogenic rating is low.
Is Oleth-3 safe for acne-prone skin?
If you are acne-prone, it is safest to keep Oleth-3 away from your face in leave-on products. It can still be useful for dry body skin, hair, or in cleansers where it is quickly rinsed off. Normal and dry skin types often tolerate it without issue.
What products is Oleth-3 found in?
Oleth-3 is an emulsifier that binds the oil and water phases of a formula together, and is commonly found in lotions, creams and cleansing products.
What can I use instead of Oleth-3?
Look for non-comedogenic emollients rated 0–1 such as squalane, glycerin, hemp seed oil or sunflower oil.
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