Laureth-25
What Laureth-25 is & what it does
Laureth-25 is an ethoxylated fatty alcohol, a polyethylene glycol ether of lauryl alcohol, where the number 25 reflects its degree of ethoxylation. In formulas it functions mainly as a nonionic surfactant and emulsifier, helping blend oil and water phases and solubilize ingredients. The higher ethoxylation makes it water-soluble and relatively mild in use. It is not a UV filter and no specific concerns are flagged for it here.
What is Laureth-25?
Laureth-25 is an ethoxylated fatty alcohol, specifically a polyethylene glycol ether of lauryl alcohol. The 25 refers to its high degree of ethoxylation, which makes it water-soluble.
What does Laureth-25 do in a formula?
It works mainly as a nonionic surfactant and emulsifier. It helps blend oil and water and solubilize other ingredients, contributing to a stable, uniform product. It is not a UV filter.
Is Laureth-25 safe?
Laureth-25 is generally considered safe as used in cosmetics, and no specific concerns are flagged for it here. Highly ethoxylated surfactants like this are typically mild on the skin in finished products.
Sunscreens with Laureth-25
We rate 4 sunscreens that contain it:
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Skinbetter Science Sunbetter® Tone Smart SPF 68 Sunscreen Compact
81/100
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SkinBetter Sunbetter™ Sheer SPF 56 Sunscreen Stick
80/100
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Amavara SPF 50 Face Stick With Earthwell Zinc Technology
68/100
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GINBI Sunscreen SPF 50
49/100