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LAURETH-15.

Questionable CAS 9002-92-0 / SURFACTANT - CLEANSING, SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING

LAURETH-15 is an ethoxylated fatty alcohol primarily utilized as a surfactant, effectively reducing surface tension to facilitate the harmonious blending of typically immiscible substances, such as oil and water. It is instrumental in creating stable and homogeneous emulsions within cosmetic formulations, offering both emulsifying and cleansing properties.

Summary

emulsifying surfactant/cleansing solubilizing

Science

Mechanism of Action

Functioning as a versatile surfactant, LAURETH-15 acts by lowering the interfacial tension between diverse components, enabling their uniform dispersion. Its principal role is as an emulsifying agent, which allows the creation and stabilization of cosmetic emulsions. Furthermore, it possesses attributes as a cleansing agent to remove impurities and a solubilizing agent to help dissolve other ingredients into a formula.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Low confidence
Effective range 1–5%
Optimal

N/A

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted
Red flag below
5%

LAURETH-15, as a fundamental emulsifying and cleansing agent, is not typically 'dusted' in the sense of being added for incidental benefits. However, due to its noted potential for medium irritancy and high comedogenicity, especially when not formulated properly, its inclusion requires precise attention to concentration and excipient selection. Exceeding a 5.0% concentration presents a significant red flag for potential adverse skin reactions.

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Both
Optimal pH N/A
0 7 14

Stability

The stability of formulations containing LAURETH-15 benefits from its emulsifying properties, which allow unmixable components to form stable emulsions. As the numerical value in Laureth ingredients increases, their viscosity typically rises, progressing towards white, waxy solid forms.

Safety

Safety Profile

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

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel has deemed Laureth ingredients, including LAURETH-15, safe for cosmetic use when formulations are non-irritating. Improper formulation can lead to skin irritation. The ethoxylation process may result in trace amounts of 1,4-dioxane; however, its presence can be managed through purification. In Europe, LAURETH-15 is approved under the general provisions of the Cosmetics Regulation of the EU.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

No Normal
No Dry
Yes Oily
Yes Sensitive
Irritancy Medium
Comedogenicity High

Our Assessment

Verdict

Questionable

While LAURETH-15 serves as an effective emulsifier and cleanser, its noted high comedogenicity and medium irritancy profile, particularly when not meticulously formulated, raise concerns for its suitability in precision skincare, especially for sensitive or acne-prone skin types.

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