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POTASSIUM LAURETH-6 CARBOXYLATE.

Valuable / SURFACTANT - CLEANSING

Potassium Laureth-6 Carboxylate is a sophisticated anionic surfactant, serving as a highly effective cleansing agent, solubilizer, and emulsifier in precision skincare. Derived from coconut, its unique 'crypto-anionic' nature allows for adaptable performance across a wide pH range, making it a versatile ingredient for diverse formulations.

Summary

Cleansing Surfactant Emulsifier Solubilizer Foam Booster

Science

Mechanism of Action

This ingredient functions as a 'crypto-anionic' surfactant, intelligently combining the properties of both anionic and non-ionic surfactants. It works by reducing surface tension, effectively lifting impurities and oils from the skin. Its performance is precisely tailored by pH: in acidic conditions, it acts as a non-ionic agent, while in alkaline environments, it operates as a hard water-tolerant anionic, enhancing lathering, wetting, and detergency. This adaptability contributes to its efficacy as a foam booster and solubilizer.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Medium confidence
Effective range ≤15%
Optimal

N/A

Key findings

  1. 01 Dermal exposure to Laureth Carboxylic Acid (the acid form of this ingredient) in cosmetic and household rinse-off products at concentrations up to 15% is not considered to pose an unreasonable risk of skin irritation.
  2. 02 Formulations with Laureth Carboxylic Acid diluted to less than 1.5% caused moderate eye irritation, which was less severe than the undiluted chemical. Undiluted forms caused very slight erythema on rabbit skin and severe eye irritation.

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Water
Optimal pH 3 – 9
0 7 14

Stability

This ingredient demonstrates excellent physico-chemical and hypochlorite stability across a broad pH range of 3 to 9. It maintains its integrity and performance in diverse formulations, including those containing hard water and oils.

Synergies

  • Oils
  • Hard water
  • Cationic surfactants
  • Cationic polymers

Conflicts

  • Anionic surfactants, including Akypo RLM types (under which Laureth-6 Carboxylic Acid falls), can form complexes with ammonium-quats, potentially reducing their disinfecting properties, though this ingredient exhibits lower inhibition compared to some others.

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Not reviewed
Max tested
15%
Sensitization risk Low

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel has not specifically assessed Potassium Laureth-6 Carboxylate. However, the National Industrial Chemicals Notification and Assessment Scheme (NICNAS) evaluated Laureth Carboxylic Acid (its acid form) and found low acute oral and dermal toxicity due to minimal dermal absorption, with no evidence of skin sensitization. Concerns have been raised by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) regarding potential contamination with impurities such as Ethylene Oxide and 1,4-Dioxane, which should be mitigated through careful sourcing.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

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

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

Potassium Laureth-6 Carboxylate is a valuable, pH-flexible cleansing surfactant with a low irritation potential at concentrations up to 15% in rinse-off products, making it highly suitable for a wide array of skin types and precise skincare formulations.

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