DECETH-3
DECETH-3, also called deceth-3, is a non-ionic surfactant made from ethoxylated decyl alcohol. Its decyl-alcohol portion associates with oily materials, while its ethoxylated portion associates with water; that dual affinity lets it work where phases that normally separate meet.
DECETH-3: what it is
DECETH-3, also called deceth-3, is a non-ionic surfactant made from ethoxylated decyl alcohol. Its decyl-alcohol portion associates with oily materials, while its ethoxylated portion associates with water; that dual affinity lets it work where phases that normally separate meet.
The 3 in the name refers to an average of three ethylene-oxide units rather than one identical molecule throughout the raw material. DECETH-3 therefore belongs to the ethoxylated fatty-alcohol family, which is different from a plant oil or from a simple alcohol used on its own.
DECETH-3: what it does in cosmetics
In cleansing products, DECETH-3 helps water spread over oily residue and keep that residue dispersed while the product is rinsed away. In practical terms, this supports shampoos, shower gels, and make-up removers as they lift sebum, make-up, and other materials that water does not dissolve well by itself.
It can also help build an emulsion by keeping water and oil more evenly distributed in a lotion or cream. That formulation work supports a uniform product and its application feel; it does not make DECETH-3 a treatment active for skin or hair.
Products containing this ingredient
See which products include it and the name used in each composition.
