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Laureth-7

What Laureth-7 is & what it does

An emulsifier and solubilizer that disperses oils and helps stabilize light emulsions. It contributes a smooth, even feel.

What is Laureth-7 and what does it do in sunscreen?

Laureth-7 is an emulsifier and solubilizer. It disperses oils and helps hold light emulsions together, so the oil and water phases of a sunscreen stay evenly mixed. It contributes a smooth, even feel to the finished product.

Is Laureth-7 safe?

Yes. It is a widely used emulsifier made from lauryl alcohol that has been ethoxylated, and it is considered well tolerated at the low levels used in cosmetics. The one caveat experts raise for ethoxylated ingredients is trace 1,4-dioxane, a by-product of that step which reputable manufacturers purify out. That is a contaminant, not the ingredient itself.

Does Laureth-7 clog pores?

Generally no. It is not flagged as comedogenic in our data and works as a lightweight surfactant rather than a heavy oil or wax. It is used in small amounts, so it is an unlikely pore-clogging culprit compared with the richer oils in a formula.

Is Laureth-7 fungal-acne safe?

Mostly, with one caveat. It carries a fatty (lauryl) part that the malassezia yeast behind fungal acne can potentially feed on, so people prone to fungal acne may prefer to avoid it. For everyone else it is harmless. This is one narrow skin concern, not a sign the ingredient is unsafe in general.

What is Laureth-7 on an ingredient list (INCI)?

Laureth-7 is the INCI name printed on the label. The number 7 indicates roughly seven units of ethylene oxide attached to lauryl alcohol, not a percentage. It usually appears lower on the list, near the oils and emulsifiers it is there to blend together.

Sunscreens with Laureth-7

We rate 232 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:

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