Sodium Laureth-11 Carboxylate

What is Sodium Laureth-11 Carboxylate?

Sodium Laureth-11 Carboxylate is a synthetic surfactant created by reacting lauryl alcohol with 11 units of ethylene oxide, followed by carboxylation to add a hydrophilic carboxyl group. This gives it an anionic nature with balanced hydrophilicity and mildness. Primarily used in shampoos, shower gels, facial cleansers, and foaming washes, it works by reducing water's surface tension to blend with oils and soils, forming micelles that trap and remove debris during rinsing. The ethoxylate chain softens its action compared to harsher surfactants, while the carboxylate enhances solubility and gentleness, making it ideal for everyday cleansing products that require good foam without excessive drying.

Comedogenic Rating 0/5 Low risk of clogging pores
EWG Safety Rating 2 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.

Benefits

Delivers thorough cleansing by emulsifying oils and dirt for easy removal.

Produces rich, stable lather enhancing the sensory experience of washes.

Non-comedogenic, minimizing pore-clogging risk in facial products.

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 gentle, sulfate-alternative cleansers for daily use.
Those with rare allergies to ethoxylated compounds.
People with sensitive skin needing low-irritation foaming agents.
People preferring non-synthetic or preservative-free formulas.
Users of shampoos and body washes prioritizing mild surfactants.
Individuals experiencing contact reactions to carboxylate surfactants.

Safety Notes

  • Considered low hazard in cosmetic concentrations by safety assessments.
  • Suitable for rinse-off products with minimal skin retention concerns.

Frequently Asked Questions about Sodium Laureth-11 Carboxylate

What does it do in products?

Acts as a surfactant to lower surface tension, enabling foam, emulsification, and dirt removal.

Is it comedogenic?

Rated 0, unlikely to clog pores based on assessments.

Safe for sensitive skin?

Known for milder profile than many surfactants in rinse-off uses.