Laureth-9
What Laureth-9 is & what it does
Laureth-9 is a polyethylene-glycol ether of lauryl alcohol (an ethoxylated fatty alcohol) belonging to the laureth family. In cosmetics it is commonly used as a surfactant, emulsifier, and solubilizer, helping oils and water-insoluble ingredients blend into water-based formulas and contributing to cleansing or wetting. It is a versatile nonionic ingredient found in cleansers, lotions, and clear gels. It is generally well tolerated at the levels used in cosmetics.
What is Laureth-9?
Laureth-9 is an ethoxylated fatty alcohol (a PEG ether of lauryl alcohol) from the laureth family. It is commonly used as a surfactant, emulsifier, and solubilizer.
What does Laureth-9 do in a formula?
It helps oils and water-insoluble ingredients blend into water-based products and can contribute to cleansing or wetting, which is why it appears in cleansers, lotions, and clear gels.
Is Laureth-9 safe?
It is generally well tolerated at the levels used in cosmetics, with no specific concerns flagged for it here.
Sunscreens with Laureth-9
We rate 2 sunscreens that contain it:
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