Question

Is Oleth-10 (Oleyl Alcohol Polyoxyethylene Ether OV-10) harmful to human body? Does it have any impact on the environment?

Answer
2026-06-06 官方文档 油醇聚氧乙烯醚OV-10

Under normal conditions of use, Oleth-10 (Oleyl Alcohol Polyoxyethylene Ether OV-10) is classified as a low to moderate irritant to humans, not listed as highly toxic or carcinogenic, but it has clear irritant effects on skin and eyes; for the aquatic environment, emissions must be controlled and it should not be directly discharged into water bodies.

Effects on Human Health

According to the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) from Guoli Chemical, the GHS hazard classification for Oleth-10 is GHS07 (Exclamation mark), with the signal word "Warning". The main health hazards include two items:

Skin irritation (H315): Direct contact with the undiluted product can cause skin irritation, manifested as redness, dryness, or itching. When used as an emulsifier in personal care products, its irritation is significantly reduced after dilution in formulations, and its molecular structure is optimized for low irritation performance in functional products. However, when handling the pure substance, chemical protective gloves (such as nitrile rubber) and protective clothing must be worn.

Serious eye irritation (H319): Splashes into the eyes can cause severe irritation and discomfort. Immediate flushing with large amounts of clean water or saline solution for at least 15 minutes is required, followed by medical attention. Inhalation of vapors or mists may cause respiratory discomfort. If ingested, rinse the mouth immediately and seek medical attention; do not induce vomiting. It is important to note that this product is not classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic, or toxic to reproduction, and its use in compliant end products is safe.

Effects on the Environment

Oleth-10 (Oleyl Alcohol Polyoxyethylene Ether OV-10) is prepared by ethoxylation of natural oleyl alcohol and is a non-ionic surfactant with certain biodegradability. However, according to the Guoli Chemical Safety Data Sheet, this product must not be discharged into soil, waterways, or public sewers. Waste disposal must be carried out as hazardous waste in accordance with local regulations. This is because surfactants, even at low concentrations, can have toxic effects on aquatic organisms (such as fish, algae, and plankton), disrupt water surface tension, and affect the normal function of aquatic ecosystems.

The Critical Micelle Concentration (CMC) of the product is 10~30 mg/L, meaning it can exert surface-active effects at relatively low concentrations. Therefore, even trace emissions into the environment can produce interfacial effects. In the event of a large spill, containment must be implemented to control the spread, using inert absorbent materials (such as vermiculite or dry sand) for collection, preventing entry into drainage systems or natural water bodies, and notifying environmental management authorities.

Technical Parameters (Safety-Related)

ParameterValue/DescriptionData Source
GHS Hazard ClassificationGHS07 (Exclamation mark), WarningGuoli Chemical SDS
Skin IrritationH315 — Causes skin irritationGuoli Chemical SDS
Eye IrritationH319 — Causes serious eye irritationGuoli Chemical SDS
Heavy Metal Content≤10 ppmGuoli Chemical Product Database
Arsenic Content≤2 ppmGuoli Chemical Product Database
Flash Point≥150°CGuoli Chemical Product Database
Chemical StabilityStable, avoid strong oxidizing agentsGuoli Chemical Product Database
BiodegradabilityPartially biodegradable (derived from natural oleyl alcohol)Product Description
Ecotoxicity Data (LC50/EC50)Not available for this parameter

Safe Use Recommendations

Personal Protection: When handling the pure substance, wear nitrile rubber gloves, protective goggles, or full-face shield. Operate in a well-ventilated area and avoid generating aerosols. Thoroughly wash hands and exposed skin after handling.

Storage Management: Store in a sealed container in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area at 5°C~35°C. Use stainless steel or polyethylene containers. Keep away from strong oxidizing agents, strong acids, and strong bases. Equip the storage area with eyewash stations and emergency showers.

Environmental Protection: It is strictly prohibited to discharge wastewater containing this product directly into natural water bodies or soil. Industrial washing wastewater should be collected and disposed of by qualified waste treatment organizations. Empty packaging containers should be treated as hazardous waste.

Precautions

  • The above safety information is based on actual data from the Guoli Chemical product database. Please ensure you read the complete Safety Data Sheet (SDS) before operation.
  • When formulated in end products such as personal care items, irritation is greatly reduced, but formulators should conduct safety assessments such as skin patch tests.
  • In case of a spill, collect small amounts with inert absorbent materials; for large spills, contain and notify environmental management authorities.
  • In-depth environmental data such as ecotoxicity and bioaccumulation are not yet available. It is recommended to follow the "precautionary principle" during use to minimize environmental release.