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Moumoujus

MEA-LAURETH SULFATE.

Avoid CAS 68184-04-3 / CLEANSING, SURFACTANT - CLEANSING

MEA-LAURETH SULFATE is an anionic surfactant primarily utilized for its robust cleansing, foaming, and emulsifying capabilities. It functions by effectively reducing the surface tension of liquids, facilitating the mixing of oil and water to efficiently lift and remove impurities from the skin's surface.

Summary

Cleansing Surfactant Foaming Emulsifier

Science

Mechanism of Action

As a surfactant, MEA-LAURETH SULFATE acts by lowering the interfacial tension between a cosmetic formulation and the skin's surface, or between immiscible liquids like oil and water. This allows it to stabilize emulsions, create foam, and encapsulate dirt and oils, enabling their suspension and subsequent removal during rinsing. Its detergent properties contribute to thorough cleansing.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Low confidence
Effective range N/A
Optimal

N/A

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

MEA-LAURETH SULFATE is a foundational functional ingredient, typically used as a primary surfactant in rinse-off formulations. It is employed at concentrations necessary to achieve its cleansing and foaming objectives and is not commonly 'dusted' at sub-efficacious levels.

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Water
Optimal pH N/A
0 7 14

Stability

No specific optimal pH range for MEA-LAURETH SULFATE's stability has been identified, though related laureth sulfates are functional across various pH environments. Critical formulation considerations include rigorous purity control to minimize potential contamination with impurities such as 1,4-Dioxane and Ethylene Oxide, which can be generated during the ethoxylation process. Additionally, the monoethanolamine (MEA) component necessitates precautions against nitrosamine formation.

Conflicts

  • Not suitable for leave-on products due to regulatory restrictions and potential irritancy.
  • Strong oxidizing agents (general for sulfates).

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe with restrictions
Sensitization risk Moderate

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel has determined MEA-LAURETH SULFATE is safe for use in cosmetics, but with significant restrictions, specifically deeming it unsafe in products intended to remain on the skin. The Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) similarly approves its use under specified conditions, which typically include purity criteria, maximum concentration limits, and defined product categories. Key safety concerns relate to potential impurities: Ethylene Oxide and 1,4-Dioxane, which are byproducts of the ethoxylation manufacturing process, and the potential for nitrosamine formation due to the monoethanolamine (MEA) group. For rinse-off cosmetic products, it is considered safe when formulated to be non-irritating and adheres to stringent purity standards.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

No Normal
No Dry
No Oily
No Sensitive
Irritancy Unknown
Comedogenicity Unknown

Our Assessment

Verdict

Avoid

MEA-LAURETH SULFATE, despite its efficacy as a cleansing and foaming agent in rinse-off products, is subject to strict safety restrictions regarding its use in leave-on formulations and carries concerns regarding potential impurities, leading to an 'avoid' rating from certain cosmetic databases.

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