Laureth-4
What Laureth-4 is & what it does
A co-emulsifier and solubilizer used to disperse oils and oil-soluble ingredients in water phases. It supports stable, uniform formulas.
What does Laureth-4 do in skincare?
Laureth-4 is an ethoxylated fatty alcohol used as an emulsifier and surfactant. In skincare and sunscreen formulas it helps oil and water blend together into a stable mixture. It can also help products spread more evenly on the skin.
Is Laureth-4 natural or synthetic?
Laureth-4 is synthetic, made by reacting lauryl alcohol with ethylene oxide in a process called ethoxylation. The lauryl alcohol portion can originate from plant or petroleum sources, but the finished ingredient is chemically processed. The number 4 refers to its degree of ethoxylation.
Is Laureth-4 safe?
Laureth-4 is a widely used emulsifier and surfactant in cosmetics. It is generally used at functional levels within standard formulating practice. If you have sensitive skin, a patch test and reviewing the full ingredient list can help.
Sunscreens with Laureth-4
We rate 25 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:
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VT Airy Sun Cream SPF50+ PA++++
96/100
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Clinique Pep-Start Daily Uv Protector Spf 50
83/100
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Darphin Intral Environmental Lightweight Shield Broad Spectrum Spf 50
83/100
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Clinique Superdefense Age Defense Eye Cream Broad Spectrum Spf 20
80/100
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Origins A Perfect World™ SPF 20 Age-Defense Eye Cream with White Tea
80/100
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Colorescience Sunforgettable® Total Protection™ Brush-On Shield Spf 50
79/100
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Smashbox Healthy Glow Tinted Moisturizer
78/100
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Tom Ford Soleil Flawless Glow Foundation SPF 30
76/100
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Clinique Spf50 Mineral Sunscreen Fluid for Face
73/100
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Clinique Super City Block Oil-Free Daily Face Protector Broad Spectrum 40 Spf
72/100