Science
Mechanism of Action
This ingredient reduces the surface tension of liquids, thereby facilitating the uniform dispersion and mixing of immiscible substances like oil and water. This action makes it an effective cleansing agent, an emulsifier for stable product textures, and a solubilizer for various compounds within a formulation.
Research
Clinical Evidence
Low confidenceN/A
Transparency
Dusting Analysis
The Formula
Formulation
Stability
Laureth-40 is synthesized by reacting ethylene oxide with lauryl alcohol; the numerical '40' denotes the average number of repeating ethylene oxide units. Increasing this numerical value results in higher viscosity, eventually yielding white, waxy solids. Due to its ethoxylation process, careful purification is essential to control the presence of trace amounts of 1,4-dioxane.
Safety
Safety Profile
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel has concluded that Laureth ingredients, including Laureth-40, are safe when formulated to be non-irritating. However, improper formulation can lead to skin irritation. The presence of 1,4-dioxane, a processing byproduct, must be minimized through stringent purification steps before its inclusion in cosmetic products. Regulatory oversight in the EU falls under general cosmetic provisions, while in the US, the FDA registers Laureth-40 in its Global Substance Registration System (GSRS) but does not pre-approve cosmetic ingredients, focusing instead on product adulteration and misbranding.
Your Skin
Skin Compatibility
Our Assessment
Verdict
Laureth-40 is a valuable functional ingredient for optimizing formulation stability and cleansing performance, although careful formulation is critical to mitigate potential irritation risks, particularly given its medium irritancy potential if not properly balanced.
Related
Similar Ingredients
Finding similar ingredients…
References
Sources