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POTASSIUM LAURETH-4 CARBOXYLATE.

Valuable / SURFACTANT - CLEANSING

Potassium Laureth-4 Carboxylate is an anionic surfactant and emulsifier renowned for its capacity to generate rich, stable foam and gently cleanse the skin. It significantly improves product texture, delivering a luxurious and dense lather while contributing to mildness.

Summary

Surfactant/Cleansing Foaming Emulsifier Humectant Texture Enhancer

Science

Mechanism of Action

This ingredient functions primarily as an anionic surfactant, effectively reducing surface tension to lift and suspend oils, dirt, and impurities from the skin and hair, ensuring thorough cleansing. As an emulsifier, it stabilizes formulations by blending oil and water components that would otherwise separate. It is particularly noted for its ability to produce luxurious, micro-bubble foam with high consistency and to enhance the overall texture and feel of products. When incorporated as a secondary surfactant, it notably reduces irritation and improves the mildness and foam quality of the formulation. Additionally, it offers humectant properties for skin hydration, and its related compound, Laureth-4, has been observed to enhance the transdermal penetration of active ingredients.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Medium confidence
Effective range 1–4%
Optimal

N/A

Key findings

  1. 01 Demonstrated a difference in bubble size compared to SLES:CAPB compositions in foam analyzer tests.
  2. 02 Statistically significant superiority in creaminess and foam density compared to sodium cocoyl isethionate.
  3. 03 Delivered significantly denser foam when evaluated for foam consistency/density.
  4. 04 Significantly increased skin permeation of active ingredients (e.g., JAK inhibitor SHR0302).

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

No data available to indicate common dusting practices or specific dusting thresholds for this ingredient in cosmetic formulations.

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Water
Optimal pH 5.5 – 9.5
0 7 14

Stability

Potassium Laureth-4 Carboxylate exhibits exceptional stability across a wide pH range. It is highly stable in acidic conditions, including strong acids like hydrofluoric and nitric acid, and demonstrates superior stability under high alkaline conditions, with low alkyl chain types tolerating up to 20% sodium hydroxide. The ingredient is also resistant to oxidizing agents such as sodium hypochlorite or peroxides. For optimal foam volume, formulations are best maintained within a pH range of 5.5 to 9.5.

Synergies

  • Functions effectively as a secondary surfactant, enhancing the mildness and improving the foam quality of overall formulations.
  • Forms beneficial combinations with Cocamidopropyl Betaine (CAPB) to optimize foam characteristics.

Conflicts

  • May form complexes with ammonium-quats (biocides), which could potentially reduce their disinfecting properties.

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Not reviewed
Sensitization risk Low

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel has not formally assessed Potassium Laureth-4 Carboxylate for safety. There is no specific SCCS opinion available for this ingredient. While Laureth-4, a closely related compound, has been used in several FDA-approved topical drug products at concentrations between 1.1% and 3% for purposes such as treating dry skin or increasing active ingredient solubility, this does not constitute a direct FDA approval or safety status specifically for Potassium Laureth-4 Carboxylate as a cosmetic ingredient. It is generally noted for its low irritancy profile.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

Yes Normal
Yes Dry
Yes Oily
Yes Sensitive
Irritancy Low
Comedogenicity Unknown

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

Potassium Laureth-4 Carboxylate is a valuable ingredient for advanced cleansing formulations, offering superior foam quality, enhanced mildness, and remarkable stability across diverse pH environments.

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