Coceth-7

What is Coceth-7?

Coceth-7 is a synthetic nonionic surfactant created by reacting fatty alcohols from coconut oil, primarily cetyl and stearyl alcohols, with seven moles of ethylene oxide. This ethoxylation process yields a hydrophilic molecule with a hydrophobic tail, enabling it to interact effectively at oil-water interfaces. Commonly found in rinse-off products like shampoos, body washes, and facial cleansers, as well as leave-on items such as lotions and creams, it serves as a key component in formulations requiring gentle surface tension reduction. By aligning at interfaces, it disrupts dirt and oil bonds for easy rinsing while stabilizing emulsions to prevent phase separation, ensuring product consistency and smooth texture during application.

Comedogenic Rating 0/5 Low risk of clogging pores
EWG Safety Rating 1 View on EWG →

Roles in Formulation

This ingredient serves the following purposes in cosmetic formulations:

Surfactant
Lowers surface tension to enable cleansing, emulsifying, and foaming; central to shampoos, body washes, and many emulsions and micellar systems.
Emulsifying agent
Enables stable mixing of oil and water phases by forming an interfacial film, helping create lotions, creams, and cleansers with consistent texture.

Benefits

Delivers mild cleansing action by lowering surface tension to remove impurities without stripping skin.

Stabilizes oil-in-water emulsions for creamy textures in lotions and moisturizers.

Supports foam formation in washes for a satisfying lather experience.

Who It's For

A quick guide for who this ingredient may suit (and who should be cautious).

Who May Benefit Who Should Avoid
Individuals preferring gentle, non-drying cleansers for daily routines.
People with known allergies to coconut-derived ingredients.
Users of emulsified products like body lotions seeking stable formulations.
Individuals sensitive to ethoxylated compounds.
Those with normal to combination skin types in foaming or creamy products.
Those preferring completely natural or sulfate-free alternatives only.

Safety Notes

  • Considered low hazard in cosmetic concentrations by safety assessments.
  • Non-comedogenic, unlikely to clog pores.

Frequently Asked Questions about Coceth-7

What is Coceth-7 made from?

Fatty alcohols from coconut oil reacted with ethylene oxide to form a nonionic surfactant.

Is Coceth-7 comedogenic?

It has a comedogenic rating of 0, indicating low risk of pore clogging.

Can Coceth-7 be used in sensitive skin products?

Its mild profile makes it suitable for many gentle formulations.