What Is Diethylamine Laureth Sulfate?
Diethylamine Laureth Sulfate is the diethylamine salt form of ethoxylated lauryl sulfate, a surfactant made by attaching small units of ethylene oxide to lauryl alcohol then neutralizing the result with diethylamine. The lauryl alcohol usually comes from natural fatty acids found in coconut or palm oil. First explored in the mid twentieth century when chemists sought gentler foaming agents for personal care, this ingredient quickly found a place in shampoos and cleansers thanks to its strong yet mild cleansing abilities. Production begins with lauryl alcohol that is treated with sulfur trioxide to create lauryl sulfate, followed by ethoxylation to improve solubility and finally neutralization with diethylamine to give a stable salt. You are most likely to see Diethylamine Laureth Sulfate in rinse off products such as shampoos, body washes, bubble baths and facial foaming cleansers. It can also appear in exfoliating scrubs, liquid hand soaps and some shaving creams where rich lather is desired.
Diethylamine Laureth Sulfate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
In formulas this ingredient is valued for three main reasons
- Cleansing: Its surfactant nature lifts away oil, dirt and daily grime allowing them to rinse off easily so skin and hair feel fresh and clean
- Cleansing: When combined with co surfactants it enhances overall cleaning power helping products tackle heavier buildup without harshness
- Foam Boosting: It creates a dense stable lather that spreads product evenly, improves user experience and can reduce the amount of product needed per wash
Who Can Use Diethylamine Laureth Sulfate
Most people with normal, combination or oily skin and scalps can comfortably use products containing Diethylamine Laureth Sulfate. Its cleansing strength helps remove excess sebum and buildup which those skin types tend to collect. Individuals with very dry, eczema prone or otherwise compromised skin may find it a bit too drying because it can strip away natural oils faster than their skin can replace them. If you fall into those categories choose gentler surfactants or formulas specifically balanced for dry or sensitive skin.
The ingredient is produced from plant derived fatty alcohols and involves no animal sourced components, so it is generally considered suitable for vegans and vegetarians. As always, anyone avoiding palm oil may wish to confirm the origin of the lauryl alcohol with the brand.
Current safety data show no evidence that topical use poses special risks to women who are pregnant or breastfeeding because absorption through intact skin is minimal. This is not medical advice; expecting or nursing parents should still review any personal care product with their doctor to be completely sure it fits their individual health needs.
Diethylamine Laureth Sulfate does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight and does not interfere with sunscreen performance. It is also safe for color treated hair when used in concentrations typical of rinse off products, though prolonged contact times could accelerate fading of fashion dyes.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Side effects and reactions to the topical use of Diethylamine Laureth Sulfate vary from person to person. The points below describe potential issues yet they are unlikely to occur for the average user when the ingredient is formulated correctly.
- Dryness or tightness of skin after rinsing
- Irritation or redness, especially on already sensitive or broken skin
- Stinging or watering if the lather enters the eyes
- Contact dermatitis in individuals allergic to sulfonated surfactants
- Faster fading of semi permanent hair dye when products are left on too long
If you experience any persistent discomfort stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional or dermatologist for guidance.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 out of 5 – As a water-soluble surfactant that rinses away quickly, Diethylamine Laureth Sulfate does not linger on skin long enough to block pores. It has no oily or waxy residues that typically contribute to comedones, but a small chance of irritation could indirectly provoke breakouts in highly reactive skin, so it is given a cautious 1 rather than a perfect 0. Overall it is considered suitable for people who are prone to acne or clogged pores, especially in rinse-off products.
Because it is almost always used in cleansers that leave little to no residue, real-world comedogenicity is even lower than its rating suggests. Concentrations in finished formulas are also regulated, further reducing any pore-clogging risk.
Summary
Diethylamine Laureth Sulfate acts mainly as a cleanser, secondary cleanser and foam booster. Its surfactant structure loosens oils and debris so they wash away, while the added ethoxylation improves solubility which helps it generate thick stable lather that users enjoy. These qualities make it a dependable workhorse in everyday shampoos, body washes and facial cleansers, though it rarely gets the spotlight compared with trendier sulfate-free alternatives.
Safety reviews show low toxicity and minimal absorption through intact skin, with dryness or irritation being the main concerns for very sensitive users. When trying any new product containing this ingredient it is still smart to patch test first to confirm personal tolerance.