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Ingredient directory

Laureth-12

LAURETH-12 is a polyoxyethylene lauryl ether, primarily serving as a non-ionic surfactant and oil-in-water emulsifier. It is crucial for stabilizing formulations that blend oil and water, and effectively contributes to the cleansing process.

Directory entry · Individual source review pending

This profile is awaiting an individual source review. Treat its ratings, dose estimates and compatibility labels as provisional; they are not medical advice or proof of a finished product’s effects.

Emulsifying Surfactant Cleansing Foaming Viscosity Controlling

Science

Mechanism of Action

As a non-ionic surfactant, LAURETH-12 leverages its amphiphilic structure, possessing both water-attracting (hydrophilic) and oil-attracting (lipophilic) properties. This allows it to reduce the surface tension between immiscible phases, forming and stabilizing emulsions of oil within water. In cleansing applications, it efficiently encapsulates and lifts dirt and sebum from the skin and hair, facilitating their removal with water. Additionally, it optimizes foam characteristics and functions as a rheology modifier to enhance product texture and viscosity.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Low confidence
Effective range 1–5%
Optimal

1%

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Both
Optimal pH 6 – 7.5
0 7 14

Stability

LAURETH-12 exhibits optimal stability within a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. It is susceptible to hydrolysis and potential decomposition in highly alkaline environments. The ingredient maintains activity across oxidizing, reducing, acidic, and neutral conditions, and performs effectively in both hard and cold water.

Conflicts

  • High pH environments (induces hydrolysis)

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe as used with restrictions
Max tested
5%
Sensitization risk Moderate

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel deemed Laureth ingredients, including LAURETH-12, safe for cosmetic use when formulations are non-irritating. Studies on developmental, reproductive toxicity, and mutagenicity yielded negative results. However, as a synthetic polymer, it may contain trace amounts of manufacturing impurities such as 1,4-dioxane, which can be mitigated through appropriate purification steps. PubChem identifies the raw material as a corrosive irritant (Danger: Causes serious eye damage, Harmful if swallowed), underscoring the importance of proper formulation and concentration control; a typical safe and effective concentration in personal care products is 1-5%.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

Yes Normal
Yes Dry
Yes Oily
Yes Sensitive
Irritancy Moderate
Comedogenicity Moderate

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

LAURETH-12 is a valuable functional ingredient, integral for creating stable emulsions and enabling effective cleansing, generally well-tolerated at concentrations up to 5% when expertly formulated.

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