PEG-2 Oleamine is a low-ethoxylated (2 moles EO) derivative of oleylamine (oleyl amine ethoxylate), functioning as a non-ionic surfactant, emulsifier, and solubilizer. It provides good wetting, dispersing, and emulsifying properties with moderate alkalinity and hard water tolerance. This pale yellow to amber viscous liquid is primarily used in hair care (especially alkaline systems like hair dye creams or gels), skin cleansers, and some decorative cosmetics. It is used to stabilize emulsions, solubilize actives, and improve texture in high-pH or challenging formulations.
Products with PEG-2 OLEAMINE
With samples available
What is PEG-2 OLEAMINE used for?
- Emulsifying: Stabilizes oil-in-water emulsions in alkaline systems. Frequently used in hair dye creams, gels, and oxidative colorants for uniform mixing and stability.
- Surfactant / Solubilizing: Improves wetting and disperses oils, pigments, or actives. Common in hair coloring products, cleansers, and some treatment formulations requiring emulsification at higher pH.
- pH regulation / Conditioning support: Contributes mild alkalinity and supports hair cuticle opening. Ideal in professional hair dyes, relaxers, and perms for enhanced performance.
Origin
PEG-2 Oleamine is produced synthetically by ethoxylation of oleylamine (derived from oleic acid, typically from vegetable oils like olive or high-oleic sunflower) with 2 moles of ethylene oxide. The controlled reaction yields a low-EO amine ethoxylate with good solubility and surface activity. It is partially renewable (oleyl base) but ethoxylated with petrochemical ethylene oxide, resulting in a viscous liquid suitable for industrial and cosmetic applications.
What does PEG-2 OLEAMINE do in a formulation?
EMULSIFYING|
SURFACTANT|
HAIR CONDITIONINGSafety Profile
PEG-2 Oleamine is considered safe for cosmetic use in limited applications per CIR assessments of PEG amines and ethoxylated ingredients (safe when properly purified). It has a moderate hazard rating from EWG (typically 3-5) due to potential for skin/eye irritation at higher concentrations and possible 1,4-dioxane/ethylene oxide residuals from ethoxylation (minimized in purified grades). It is milder than many traditional surfactants but may cause irritation in sensitive skin or at high levels. Restricted in some regions for leave-on products due to ethoxylation concerns.
PEG-2 OLEAMINE alternatives
PEG-2 OLEAMINE technical profile
| Property | Values |
| Boiling Point | >200°C |
| Melting Point | Low |
| pH | Alkaline |
| Solubility | Soluble/dispersible in water |
| Viscosity | High |
Formulations with PEG-2 OLEAMINE
No data available
By Application
No data available