Laureth-23 is a non-ionic surfactant, emulsifier, and solubilizer used in numerous cosmetics and personal care products. It is a white, waxy solid and is found in many products like bath, eye, facial, hair, sunscreen, and cleansing products.
Products with LAURETH-23
With samples available
BELSIL® DM 5102 E
by Wacker
- Sustainable option
- Original documents
What is LAURETH-23 used for?
Laureth-23 works as an emulsifier, surfactant, and a solubilizer in cosmetics and personal care.
- Skin care: It works as a cleansing agent and also improves the texture of the formulation
- Shaving creams: Being an emulsifier, it serves two purposes in a shaving cream. First, it holds water up to the skin for an easy shave and second, it keeps the ingredients of the shaving cream from separating out. It cleanses the skin and makes the cream foamy
Laureth-23 is used at a concentration of 1-5%.
Origin
Laureth-23 is obtained from 23 moles of non-sensitizing lauryl alcohol through ethoxylation where ethylene oxide is added as a substrate.
What does LAURETH-23 do in a formulation?
CLEANSING|
EMULSIFYING|
SURFACTANTSafety Profile
Laureth-23 has been classified safe by The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) and affirmed it as safe for cosmetic use at current concentrations (up to 6%). On the EWG Skin Deep® database, Laureth-23 carries a low-to-moderate hazard score, primarily owing to the potential presence of trace 1,4-dioxane - a known carcinogen arising from ethoxylation. Formulators should source purified grades with documented 1,4-dioxane content (≤10 ppm per EU guidance) and retain supplier certificates of analysis. Not recommended for formulations seeking natural, organic, or ethoxylate-free certification.
LAURETH-23 alternatives
LAURETH-23 technical profile
| Property | Values |
| Boiling Point | 304-305°C |
| Melting Point | 41-45°C |
| pH | 6.0 (5% in water) |
| Solubility | Soluble in water |