Laureth-9

Benefits
AnestheticSoothing

What is Laureth-9?

Laureth-9 belongs to the laureth series of ethoxylated alcohols, produced by combining lauryl alcohol—sourced from coconut or palm kernel fatty acids—with nine units of ethylene oxide. This results in a water-soluble, non-ionic compound widely used in rinse-off and leave-on cosmetics such as shampoos, shower gels, facial cleansers, and creamy lotions. As a surfactant, it decreases the surface tension of liquids, enabling effective removal of oils, dirt, and residues during washing. In its emulsifying role, it forms a protective layer around oil droplets in water-based formulas, preventing separation and promoting a stable, spreadable consistency. Its relatively short ethoxylation chain contributes to milder behavior compared to longer-chain versions, supporting its inclusion in products aimed at daily gentle cleansing without stripping natural moisture.

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

• Delivers a subtle anesthetic sensation to ease cleansing discomfort.

• Provides soothing comfort to the skin during and after use.

• Facilitates thorough yet gentle cleansing and smooth emulsification.

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 with normal or oily skin needing effective daily cleansers.
• Those with allergies to ethoxylated ingredients or fatty alcohols.
• Users seeking stable, foamy shampoos and body washes.
• Sensitive skin prone to reactions from surfactants.
• People preferring lotions and emulsions with consistent texture.
• Individuals wary of potential trace contaminants in ethoxylates.

Safety Notes

  • • Assessed as low to moderate hazard by EWG, suitable for typical cosmetic use.
  • • Generally recognized as safe by cosmetic safety reviews for rinse-off and leave-on products.

Frequently Asked Questions about Laureth-9

What does Laureth-9 do in products?

It acts as a surfactant to cleanse by lowering surface tension and as an emulsifier to blend oil and water stably.

Is Laureth-9 comedogenic?

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

How safe is Laureth-9 for skin?

Rated low hazard overall, with mild profile suitable for most in cosmetics.