Oleth-5 OV-5 (INCI name: Oleth-5, CAS No.: 9004-98-2) is a nonionic surfactant produced by reacting oleyl alcohol with 5 moles of ethylene oxide. It appears as a colorless to pale yellow transparent liquid. Due to its molecular structure containing both a long-chain hydrophobic group (octadecenyl) and a polyoxyethylene hydrophilic chain segment, OV-5 has a low HLB value and is a typical water-in-oil (W/O) emulsifier, capable of forming stable oil-water emulsion systems in creams, lotions, and other cosmetic formulations.
The core competitiveness of OV-5 lies in its multifunctionality and strong tolerance. It not only provides excellent emulsifying ability but also offers outstanding wetting, penetration, and dispersion functions, enabling multiple effects with a single additive and simplifying formulation design. More importantly, this product remains highly effective and stable under harsh conditions such as acidic, alkaline, and high-hardness water environments, without easy hydrolysis or deactivation. This characteristic makes it particularly suitable for complex working conditions such as metalworking fluids and industrial cleaning agents.
From a safety perspective, OV-5 is a low-toxicity substance (rat oral LD50 > 2000 mg/kg), but attention should still be paid to its skin and eye irritation (GHS classification: Skin irritation category 2, Serious eye irritation category 2). Protective gloves and goggles should be worn during operation, and it should be used in a well-ventilated environment. It has long-term and lasting effects on aquatic organisms (H412), and untreated discharge into natural waters is prohibited.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Chemical name | Oleyl alcohol ethoxylate (5 EO) |
| INCI name | Oleth-5 |
| CAS No. | 9004-98-2 |
| Alias | Oleth-5, Polyoxyethylene (5) oleyl ether, Octadecenyl alcohol ethoxylate (5 EO) |
| Ionic type | Nonionic surfactant |
| Appearance | Colorless to pale yellow transparent liquid |
| EO adduct number | 5 |
| Emulsion type | W/O (water-in-oil) |
| HLB value | Not available (approx. 8–9, estimated based on 5EO oleyl ether) |
| Flash point (closed cup) | >150°C |
| Acute toxicity (oral, rat) | LD50 > 2000 mg/kg |
Cosmetics and Personal Care: As a W/O emulsifier or co-emulsifier, suitable for creams, lotions, and sunscreen products. It is recommended to use in combination with high-HLB emulsifiers for better emulsion stability. In facial cleansers and shampoos, it acts as a solubilizer to help disperse active ingredients and fragrances uniformly.
Industrial and Household Liquid Cleaners: Utilizes its strong wetting and penetration properties to significantly reduce system surface tension and effectively remove oils and dirt. Suitable for metal surface cleaning and hard surface cleaning formulations.
Textile and Dyeing Auxiliaries: Serves as an active component in scouring agents, leveling agents, and softeners, providing penetration, emulsification, detergency, and dispersion functions. It promotes uniform dye uptake and enhances fabric hand feel.
Metalworking Fluids: In cutting fluids and rust-proof emulsified oils, it provides both emulsification and lubrication functions, helping to form a stable oil-water emulsion system, reducing friction coefficient, and extending tool life.
Pesticide Formulations: Used in emulsifiable concentrates, microemulsions, and emulsion-in-water formulations. It promotes rapid self-emulsification of active ingredients upon dilution, improves wetting and spreading of the pesticide solution on target surfaces, and enhances field efficacy.