Skincare Ingredient
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Laureth-7
In Skincare: Is Laureth-7 Safe? Comedogenic Rating & Side Effects
Quick Insights
At a glance
- 01
Laureth-7 functions as a cleansing agent, emulsifier, and texture enhancer in cosmetic formulations.
- 02
This ingredient is derived from lauryl alcohol, a non-drying fatty alcohol sourced from coconut oil.
- 03
Laureth-7 presents as a liquid in its raw material form.
- 04
Laureth-7 has demonstrated a history of safe use in cosmetic applications.
Overview
Ingredient Profile
Data & Research
Scientific Facts
Common Uses
Formulation in Laureth-7
Role of Laureth-7
Active Cosmetic Mechanisms
SURFACTANT - CLEANSING
Cleansing SurfactantRemoves dirt and oil through surfactant action
SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS
// Evidence: Cleansing surfactants specifically formulated for removing sebum, dirt, and impurities. Primarily anionic (sodium laureth sulfate, sodium cocoyl isethionate) and amphoteric surfactants (betaines). Mechanism involves reducing surface tension enabling water to wet oily surfaces, solubilizing lipophilic materials in micelles, and emulsifying oils for rinse-off. Cleansing efficacy balanced with mildness by surfactant selection, concentration, and pH optimization. Must avoid excessive lipid removal that compromises barrier function.
SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING
Emulsifying SurfactantBlends oil and water phases into stable mixtures
SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS
// Evidence: Emulsifying surfactants enable creation of stable oil-in-water or water-in-oil emulsions by positioning at oil-water interface, reducing interfacial tension. HLB (hydrophilic-lipophilic balance) determines emulsion type: HLB 3-6 for W/O, HLB 8-18 for O/W emulsions. Examples include polysorbate 80, ceteareth-20, glyceryl stearate. Mechanism involves forming interfacial film preventing droplet coalescence. Often used in combinations with co-emulsifiers (fatty alcohols) creating lamellar structures for enhanced stability.
Products
containing Laureth-7
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References
Scientific sources
CosmeticsInfo.org, Accessed September 2021, ePublication
International Journal of Toxicology, October 2012, pages 169S-244S
Similar Ingredients
Ingredients with similar chemical profiles and skincare properties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Laureth-7 — common questions
What is Laureth-7 in skincare?
Laureth-7 is a polyoxyethylene lauryl ether. It’s created by reacting ethylene oxide with lauryl alcohol, resulting in a mixture of molecules with varying numbers of repeating ethylene oxide units. The number following “Laureth” indicates the average number of these ethylene oxide units per molecule.
What does Laureth-7 do? / Functions of Laureth-7?
Common functions: SURFACTANT - CLEANSING, SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING.
What is the comedogenic rating of Laureth-7? / Is Laureth-7 comedogenic?
The comedogenic rating of Laureth-7 has not been established in our database.
Does it clog pores?
Whether Laureth-7 clogs pores depends on the formulation and concentration.
Is Laureth-7 safe for skin?
Laureth-7 has a safety rating of 2 out of 5. A rating of 2 means it is generally considered safe for most skin types.
Is Laureth-7 good for sensitive skin?
Laureth-7 has an irritancy rating of 2 out of 5. A rating of 2 means it is generally well-tolerated.
What are the side effects of Laureth-7 in skincare?
Laureth-7 is generally well-tolerated.