Laureth-25

What is Laureth-25?

Laureth-25 is a synthetic non-ionic surfactant produced by ethoxylating lauryl alcohol, a fatty alcohol sourced from coconut or palm kernel oils, with approximately 25 units of ethylene oxide. This process attaches hydrophilic polyethylene glycol chains to the lipophilic lauryl chain, creating a molecule that effectively bridges oil and water phases. It appears in shampoos, body washes, facial cleansers, moisturizers, and hair conditioners. In formulations, it reduces surface tension to lift dirt and oils, stabilizes emulsions for creamy textures, and disperses hydrophobic ingredients like fragrances into watery bases for uniform products. Its higher degree of ethoxylation enhances water solubility and mildness compared to shorter-chain versions, supporting clear, non-greasy finishes in sprays and toners.

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

Benefits

Gentle surface tension reduction for effective yet non-stripping cleansing.

Stabilizes oil-in-water emulsions for smooth lotion textures.

Solubilizes fragrances and oils for clear, stable water-based 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
Users seeking mild cleansers for daily routines.
People with known sensitivity to ethoxylated surfactants.
Individuals with normal to combination skin types.
Those preferring strictly non-synthetic ingredients.
Those preferring stable, non-greasy emulsion products.
Individuals experiencing rare contact dermatitis from similar compounds.

Safety Notes

  • Cosmetic Ingredient Review deems it safe for use in cosmetics.
  • Rated low concern for irritation and comedogenicity by hazard assessments.

Frequently Asked Questions about Laureth-25

What is Laureth-25?

A non-ionic surfactant from ethoxylated lauryl alcohol, used to cleanse, emulsify, and solubilize in cosmetics.

Is Laureth-25 irritating?

Evidence shows low irritation potential, especially in higher ethoxylate forms.

Does Laureth-25 clog pores?

It has a comedogenic rating of 0, indicating non-pore-clogging properties.