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Laureth-12

What Laureth-12 is & what it does

Laureth-12 is a synthetic nonionic surfactant made by adding roughly twelve units of ethylene oxide to lauryl alcohol. In skincare and sunscreen formulas it works as an emulsifier and solubilizer, helping oils, fragrances, and active ingredients blend evenly into water-based systems. Its long ethoxylated chain makes it water dispersible and a mild cleansing aid in some formulations.

What does Laureth-12 do in skincare?

Laureth-12 works mainly as an emulsifier and solubilizer. It helps blend oils, fragrances, and oil-soluble UV filters or actives into water-based formulas so the product stays uniform. In some cleansing products it also adds mild surfactant action.

Is Laureth-12 natural or synthetic?

Laureth-12 is synthetic. It is produced by ethoxylating lauryl alcohol, meaning ethylene oxide units are added to a fatty alcohol that may itself come from coconut or palm sources. The resulting ingredient is a manufactured nonionic surfactant.

Is Laureth-12 safe?

Laureth-12 is widely used in cosmetics as an emulsifier and is generally considered safe for use in rinse-off and leave-on products at typical concentrations. Like other ethoxylated ingredients, purified grades are used to limit trace impurities. If you have specific sensitivities, patch testing a new product is reasonable.

Sunscreens with Laureth-12

We rate 21 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:

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