Sodium Laureth-6 Carboxylate
What is Sodium Laureth-6 Carboxylate?
Sodium Laureth-6 Carboxylate is an anionic surfactant derived from lauryl alcohol, which is ethoxylated with six units of ethylene oxide and then carboxylated to form the sodium salt. This structure features a hydrophobic alkyl chain and hydrophilic ethoxy-carboxylate groups, allowing it to interact effectively at interfaces between water, oil, and air. Primarily used in rinse-off products like shampoos, shower gels, facial washes, and bubble baths, it reduces surface tension to emulsify sebum, dirt, and makeup. By forming micelles, it encapsulates impurities for easy rinsing while producing creamy foam. Its carboxylate functionality offers milder performance than traditional sulfate surfactants, supporting formulations for everyday cleansing routines and helping to maintain product stability through viscosity building and emulsification.
Roles in Formulation
This ingredient serves the following purposes in cosmetic formulations:
Benefits
Delivers effective yet gentle cleansing by lifting dirt and oils without harsh stripping.
Supports formation of stable, creamy lather in personal care washes.
Non-comedogenic, minimizing pore-clogging potential in skin 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 mild surfactants in daily cleansers for sensitive skin. | Those with allergies to ethoxylated alcohols or similar surfactants. |
| Users of shampoos and body washes preferring low-irritation formulas. | Individuals preferring formulations free of synthetic anionic surfactants. |
| People with normal to dry skin types needing non-drying cleansing agents. | People who experience sensitivity to foaming cleansers in general. |
Safety Notes
- Low overall hazard rating from environmental working group assessments.
- Non-comedogenic profile supports use across various skin types.
Frequently Asked Questions about Sodium Laureth-6 Carboxylate
What role does Sodium Laureth-6 Carboxylate play in cosmetics?
It acts as a surfactant and cleansing agent, lowering surface tension to remove dirt and oils while forming foam.
Is it suitable for sensitive skin?
Its mild profile makes it a common choice in products for everyday use on sensitive areas.
Does it cause comedones?
It has a comedogenic rating of 0, indicating low risk for pore clogging.