Laureth-9 is an emulsifier and a surfactant used in cosmetics and personal care products. The ingredients named, ‘laureth’, are polyoxyethers of lauryl alcohol. The number in the name indicates the average number of units of ethylene oxide in the molecule. Laureth-9 also exhibits anesthetic and anti-itch properties.
Products with LAURETH-9
With samples available
Silsoft™ 253 emulsion
by Momentive Performance Materials
- Sustainable option
- Support available
- Original documents
What is LAURETH-9 used for?
Laureth-9 works as an emulsifier and surfactant, particularly in shampoos and hair conditioners (rinse-off products) usually at a concentration of 4%. It is also used in leave-on products like face and body creams at a concentration of 3%. It relieves itching caused by eczema and dry skin due to its anti-itch properties.
Origin
Laureth-9 is produced by the controlled ethoxylation of lauryl alcohol (derived from coconut or palm kernel oil) with ethylene oxide. The reaction yields a high-purity, non-ionic surfactant. It is considered a semi-synthetic ingredient and is available in various purity grades for cosmetic applications.
What does LAURETH-9 do in a formulation?
EMULSIFYING|
SURFACTANTSafety Profile
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) finds Laureth-9 to be a safe ingredient for cosmetics. The Cosmetic Ingredients Review (CIR) expert panel has approved Laureth-9 for the use in cosmetics. The Scientific Committee on Consumer Products (SCCP) concluded that Laureth-9 has low toxicity and does not pose a risk to the consumer’s health when used up to 3% in leave-on and up to 4% in rinse-off cosmetic products. However, small amounts of 1,4-dioxane, a by-product of ethoxylation, may be found in the laureth ingredients, and the potential presence of it can be controlled through purification steps to remove it before blending Laureth-9 into cosmetic formulations.
LAURETH-9 alternatives
LAURETH-9 technical profile
| Property | Values |
| Melting Point | 15-21°C |
| pH | 6.0-8.0 |
| Solubility | Soluble in water |