Laureth-30

What is Laureth-30?

Laureth-30 is a synthetic non-ionic surfactant chemically known as a polyethylene glycol ether of lauryl alcohol, featuring 30 ethylene oxide units. Derived from lauryl alcohol (a fatty alcohol from natural sources like coconut oil) through ethoxylation, it belongs to the laureth family of ingredients widely used in rinse-off and leave-on cosmetics. Typically incorporated into shampoos, body washes, facial cleansers, lotions, and hair conditioners, it functions by lowering surface tension between oil and water phases. This enables emulsification for stable cream and lotion textures, solubilization of hydrophobic ingredients like fragrances into watery formulas for clear products, and cleansing by forming micelles that lift away dirt and oils during rinsing. Its high ethoxylation degree contributes to milder behavior compared to shorter-chain analogs.

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

Provides gentle cleansing by removing dirt and excess oils without stripping skin.

Supports stable emulsions in creams and lotions for smooth application.

Enhances solubility of fragrances and oils in water-based products like toners.

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 seeking effective yet mild foaming cleansers for daily use.
Those with known allergies to polyethylene glycol ethers.
People with normal to oily skin needing solubilized formulas.
People preferring sulfate-free or minimally processed ingredients.
Users of shampoos and body washes preferring non-comedogenic surfactants.
Individuals sensitive to ethoxylated compounds, despite general mildness.

Safety Notes

  • Rated low hazard (1-3) by EWG, indicating limited health concerns in typical use.
  • Deemed safe for cosmetic use by Cosmetic Ingredient Review assessments.

Frequently Asked Questions about Laureth-30

Is Laureth-30 comedogenic?

It has a comedogenic rating of 0, making it unlikely to clog pores.

What products contain Laureth-30?

Commonly found in shampoos, body washes, cleansers, and emulsified lotions.

Is Laureth-30 suitable for sensitive skin?

Generally mild with low irritation risk, but patch testing is recommended.