Laureth-8

What is Laureth-8?

Laureth-8 is a nonionic surfactant produced by ethoxylating lauryl alcohol with eight units of ethylene oxide, resulting in a synthetic compound with both hydrophilic and lipophilic properties. It appears in rinse-off products such as shampoos, bubble baths, and body washes, as well as leave-on items like lotions and creams. As a surfactant, it reduces surface tension between liquids and solids, forming micelles that trap oils, dirt, and residues for effective removal during rinsing. Its emulsifying role involves creating a stable interface between water and oil phases, preventing separation and promoting uniform consistency in formulations. This dual functionality supports product performance across cleansing and moisturizing categories, with a profile suited for broad cosmetic applications.

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.
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

Enables effective yet gentle cleansing by removing impurities without harshness.

Promotes foaming action in washes and shampoos for a satisfying lather.

Stabilizes emulsions in creams and lotions for smooth, consistent application.

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 looking for non-comedogenic cleansing options.
Those with rare allergies to ethoxylated surfactants.
Users of daily shampoos and body washes needing reliable foam.
Individuals sensitive to potential eye irritation in high concentrations.
People incorporating emulsified lotions into routines.
Users strictly avoiding synthetic ingredients.

Safety Notes

  • Considered low hazard overall in cosmetic concentrations.
  • Non-comedogenic, suitable for acne-prone skin concerns.

Frequently Asked Questions about Laureth-8

What does Laureth-8 do in products?

It acts as a surfactant for cleansing and foaming, and an emulsifier to blend oils and water stably.

Is Laureth-8 comedogenic?

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

How safe is Laureth-8 for skin?

Rated low hazard by EWG (1-3) and deemed safe for cosmetic use by expert reviews.