Sodium Laureth-8 Sulfate

What is Sodium Laureth-8 Sulfate?

Sodium Laureth-8 Sulfate is an anionic surfactant created by reacting lauryl alcohol, typically sourced from coconut or palm kernel oil, with eight units of ethylene oxide to form laureth-8, which is then sulfated and neutralized with sodium. This process yields a water-soluble compound widely employed in rinse-off personal care items such as shampoos, shower gels, facial washes, and bubble baths. It operates by disrupting the surface tension between water and oils or soils, enabling the creation of micelles that encapsulate dirt and sebum for effortless removal during rinsing. The extended ethoxylation chain enhances its mildness, supporting substantial foam generation and compatibility with other formulation components, while maintaining efficacy in diverse pH environments common to cleansing products.

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.
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 effective removal of dirt, oils, and impurities from skin and hair.

Produces rich, stable lather that improves the sensory experience of cleansing.

Emulsifies oily residues, aiding rinse-off in water-based formulations.

Who It's For

A quick guide for who this ingredient may suit (and who should be cautious).

Who May Benefit Who Should Avoid
People with normal or oily skin types needing reliable daily cleansing.
Those with highly sensitive skin prone to surfactant irritation.
Users preferring foaming shampoos and body washes for hair and body care.
People with eczema or damaged skin barriers.
Individuals seeking balanced surfactant action in mild rinse-off products.
Anyone reporting reactions to ethoxylated sulfate surfactants.

Safety Notes

  • Expert panels like CIR have assessed alkyl ether sulfates as safe in cosmetic applications.
  • Typically low concern in rinse-off products when formulated appropriately.

Frequently Asked Questions about Sodium Laureth-8 Sulfate

What makes Sodium Laureth-8 Sulfate milder than other sulfates?

The eight ethylene oxide units in its structure lower its irritation potential versus shorter-chain sulfates.

Is it suitable for facial cleansers?

Yes, it supports cleansing and foaming in rinse-off facial products for normal to oily skin.

Does it clog pores?

It has a comedogenic rating of 0, indicating low likelihood of pore blockage.