Laureth-23

Benefits

Softening

What is Laureth-23?

Laureth-23 is a synthetic ingredient formed by reacting lauryl alcohol, derived from natural fatty acids like coconut or palm kernel oil, with 23 units of ethylene oxide through an ethoxylation process. This creates a polyoxyethylene ether surfactant classified as non-ionic due to its neutral charge. In cosmetics, it belongs to cleansing and emulsifying product categories such as shampoos, body washes, lotions, and micellar waters. It functions by reducing surface tension between water and oils, enabling dirt and impurities to be encapsulated in micelles for easy rinsing. Additionally, it stabilizes emulsions by bridging oil and water phases and solubilizes hydrophobic ingredients like fragrances into aqueous formulas, promoting clear, homogeneous products without separation.

Comedogenic Rating 3/5 Higher 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.

Solubilizing agent

Helps incorporate oils and fragrance into water-based formulas by forming micro-solutions, enabling clear sprays, toners, and micellar products.

Benefits

Provides gentle cleansing by lifting dirt and oils from skin and hair.

Helps create stable emulsions in lotions and creams for smooth texture.

Aids in solubilizing fragrances and oils for clear, effective formulas.

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 dry skin seeking mild cleansing products.	Those with oily skin due to potential pore-clogging.
Individuals using shampoos or body washes for everyday hygiene.	People sensitive to ethoxylated surfactants.
Users of emulsified lotions needing softening effects.	Individuals preferring minimal-ingredient, non-foaming cleansers.

Safety Notes

Rated low hazard by safety assessments for typical cosmetic use.
Manufacturers minimize potential impurities through purification processes.

Frequently Asked Questions about Laureth-23

What does Laureth-23 do in skincare?

It acts as a surfactant to cleanse by forming micelles, emulsifies oils and water, and solubilizes fragrances.

Is Laureth-23 safe for daily use?

Safety reviews deem it suitable for cosmetics at common concentrations with low hazard ratings.

Does Laureth-23 suit oily skin?

It may not be ideal for oily skin due to moderate comedogenic potential.