Laureth-10 is a nonionic surfactant and emulsifier widely used in cosmetics and personal care products. It is valued for its ability to blend oil and water-based components, improve the texture of products, and enhance stability. It can also boost foam formation in products like shampoos, bubble baths, and cleansers to improve user experience. In its raw form, Laureth-10 appears as a clear to slightly yellowish liquid or waxy solid that is usually odorless or has a very mild scent. It is well-tolerated by the skin and is generally safe for use. The chemical formula of Laureth-10 is (C2H4O)nC12H26O.
CAS Number: 9002-92-0/6540-99-4/68002-97-1Chem/IUPAC Name: Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), .alpha.-dodecyl-.omega.-hydroxy-; Dodecan-1-ol, ethoxylatedEINECS/ELINCS No: 500-002-6/500-182-6COSING REF No: 76929Products with LAURETH-10
With samples available
Mackpearl® SSO
by Verdant Specialty Solutions
- Sustainable option
SUNFOL LA-10
by SFC
Procol™ LA-10
by Protameen Chemicals
What is LAURETH-10 used for?
Laureth-10 is a versatile ingredient used in cosmetics and personal care products primarily as a surfactant, emulsifier, and solubilizer. It helps combine oil and water-based ingredients, ensuring product stability in formulations like creams, lotions, and serums. As a surfactant, it aids in cleansing by reducing surface tension, allowing dirt and oils to be washed away, making it common in shampoos, body washes, and facial cleansers. Laureth-10 is also used to dissolve and distribute fragrances and essential oils in water-based formulations, such as perfumes and sprays while enhancing the texture and spreadability of products.
Origin
Laureth-10 is made by the ethoxylation reaction between lauryl alcohol and ethylene oxide. In this process, lauryl alcohol undergoes multiple additions of ethylene oxide molecules, creating a chain of polyethylene glycol (PEG) units. The "10" in Laureth-10 indicates that an average of 10 ethylene oxide units are added.
What does LAURETH-10 do in a formulation?
EMULSIFYING|
EMULSION STABILISING|
FOAM BOOSTING|
SURFACTANTSafety Profile
Laureth-10 is considered safe and non-toxic for use at the recommended concentrations ranging from 1-5%. It is well-tolerated by most skin types, though high concentrations may cause mild irritation, especially in individuals with sensitive or compromised skin. Additionally, there is also a safety concern of the potential presence of 1,4-dioxane, a by-product of ethoxylation and a potential carcinogen, but manufacturers often purify products to remove this contaminant. Overall, Laureth-10 is deemed safe when formulated properly.
LAURETH-10 alternatives
LAURETH-10 technical profile
| Property | Values |
| Melting Point | 41-45°C |
| Solubility | Soluble in water |
| Viscosity | Low to medium |
Formulations with LAURETH-10
No data available
By Application
No data available