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Laureth-23

What Laureth-23 is & what it does

Laureth-23 is a nonionic surfactant made by reacting lauryl alcohol with ethylene oxide, with the number indicating the degree of ethoxylation. In skincare and sunscreen formulas it functions mainly as an emulsifier and solubilizer, helping oil and water mix and keeping fragrances or other oils dissolved. It is widely used in lotions and cleansers.

What does Laureth-23 do in skincare?

Laureth-23 is a nonionic surfactant that works mainly as an emulsifier and solubilizer. It helps oil and water mix into a stable product and keeps fragrances or other oils dissolved in the formula. It is widely used in lotions, cleansers, and sunscreens.

Is Laureth-23 safe?

Laureth-23 is a common emulsifier and solubilizer that is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics at typical levels. As an ethoxylated ingredient, it is manufactured under controls to limit impurities. If your skin is sensitive, a patch test is a reasonable precaution.

Is Laureth-23 natural or synthetic?

Laureth-23 is synthetic. It is made by reacting lauryl alcohol with ethylene oxide, a process called ethoxylation, with the number 23 indicating the degree of ethoxylation. The lauryl alcohol base can come from plant oils, but the final ingredient is a processed synthetic surfactant.

Sunscreens with Laureth-23

We rate 23 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:

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