Laureth-16

What is Laureth-16?

Laureth-16 is a synthetic nonionic surfactant chemically known as laureth-16 or PEG-16 lauryl ether. It forms by reacting lauryl alcohol, derived from natural fatty acids like coconut oil, with 16 units of ethylene oxide. This process creates a molecule with a hydrophobic lauryl chain and hydrophilic polyoxyethylene head, enabling it to interact with both oil and water. Primarily used in rinse-off products such as shampoos, body washes, facial cleansers, and micellar waters, as well as leave-on items like moisturizers and conditioners. It functions by lowering surface tension to lift dirt and oils into micelles for easy rinsing, while stabilizing emulsions by forming a protective film around oil droplets in water-based formulas, resulting in smooth, uniform textures.

Comedogenic Rating 0/5 Low risk of clogging pores
EWG Safety Rating 1-3 View on EWG →
PubChem View on PubChem →

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.
Cleansing agent
Removes dirt, oil, and impurities by lowering surface tension and forming micelles, enabling soils to be lifted and rinsed away from skin, hair, or teeth.
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

Provides gentle cleansing by forming micelles that remove impurities without stripping skin.

Stabilizes oil-in-water emulsions for consistent product textures in creams and lotions.

Contributes to light foaming action in washes, enhancing user 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
People with normal to oily skin using daily cleansers.
People with known allergies to polyethylene glycol derivatives.
Individuals seeking stable, non-separating emulsion-based moisturizers.
Those preferring completely natural or PEG-free formulations.
Those preferring mild surfactants in shampoos or body washes.
Individuals sensitive to ethoxylated ingredients, though rare.

Safety Notes

  • Regarded as safe for cosmetic use in typical concentrations by expert reviews.
  • Presents low comedogenic potential, suitable for acne-prone skin.

Frequently Asked Questions about Laureth-16

What is Laureth-16 used for in cosmetics?

It serves as a surfactant for cleansing, emulsifying agent for stable lotions, and aids foaming in washes.

Is Laureth-16 safe for sensitive skin?

It has low irritation potential and is considered mild for most skin types in standard formulations.

Does Laureth-16 clog pores?

It carries a non-comedogenic rating, making it unlikely to contribute to pore blockages.