Laureth Sulfate
What is Laureth Sulfate?
Laureth Sulfate is a surfactant derived from lauryl alcohol and ethylene oxide, commonly used in skincare and haircare products as a cleansing and foaming agent. It functions by reducing surface tension to enable effective removal of dirt, oil, and impurities from the skin and hair. This ingredient provides a rich, creamy lather that enhances the sensory experience of cleansing products.
Roles in Formulation
This ingredient serves the following purposes in cosmetic formulations:
Foam booster
Enhances foam volume and creaminess and can stabilize lather, improving sensory feel and perceived cleansing in shampoos and wash-off products.
Emulsifying agent
Enables stable mixing of oil and water phases by forming an interfacial film, helping create lotions, creams, and cleansers with consistent texture.
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.
Surfactant
Lowers surface tension to enable cleansing, emulsifying, and foaming; central to shampoos, body washes, and many emulsions and micellar systems.
Foaming
Generates foam during use to help distribute the product and lift soils; typically delivered by surfactants that create stable bubbles under agitation.