What Is Dihydroxyethyl Lauramine Oxide?
Dihydroxyethyl Lauramine Oxide is a synthetic ingredient derived from laurylamine, a compound that itself comes from lauric acid found in coconut or palm kernel oil. Chemically it is an amine oxide, meaning it contains a nitrogen atom bonded to an oxygen atom alongside two hydroxyethyl groups and a lauryl (12-carbon) chain. This structure lets it interact well with both water and oil, making it useful in many personal care formulas.
The cosmetic industry began exploring amine oxides in the 1950s as gentler alternatives to harsher surfactants. Dihydroxyethyl Lauramine Oxide gained popularity because its dual hydroxy groups improve water solubility while its lauryl tail provides mild yet effective cleansing. Manufacturers typically produce it by reacting laurylamine with ethylene oxide to add the hydroxyethyl groups, then carefully oxidizing the nitrogen to form the stable oxide.
You will find this ingredient in everyday rinse-off products such as shampoos, body washes and facial cleansers, as well as in conditioners, micellar waters, makeup removers, foaming masks and even some gentle baby washes. Formulators like it for its mildness, rich foam and ability to keep complex formulas stable.
Dihydroxyethyl Lauramine Oxide’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
Here are the main reasons formulators add Dihydroxyethyl Lauramine Oxide to products:
- Antistatic: Helps reduce static electricity on hair making strands smoother and easier to comb
- Cleansing: Lifts away dirt, oil and product buildup without stripping skin or hair of needed moisture
- Emulsion stabilising: Keeps oil and water mixtures from separating so lotions and creams stay uniform over time
- Foam boosting: Enhances the quantity and stability of foam providing a richer lather that users often associate with effective cleaning
- Hydrotrope: Improves the solubility of other ingredients allowing high levels of oils, fragrances or actives to stay dissolved in water-based formulas
Who Can Use Dihydroxyethyl Lauramine Oxide
This ingredient is considered gentle enough for most skin and hair types including sensitive, oily, dry and combination. Its mild surfactant profile means it cleans without overly stripping natural oils, so even reactive or easily dehydrated skin usually tolerates it well. There is no specific skin type that should categorically avoid it unless an individual has a known allergy to amine oxides.
Dihydroxyethyl Lauramine Oxide is produced from plant-derived lauric acid and synthetic processing agents, not animal by-products, which makes it suitable for vegans and vegetarians. Formulators typically use it in cruelty-free lines for this reason.
Current safety data indicates no reproductive or developmental toxicity so products containing this ingredient are generally viewed as safe for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding. That said this is not medical advice, and anyone expecting or nursing should ask their physician before starting new personal care items just to be sure.
The ingredient does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight and there is no evidence it affects photosensitivity. It is also non-volatile so it will not worsen respiratory issues when used as directed in rinse-off or leave-on cosmetics.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Individual reactions to topical Dihydroxyethyl Lauramine Oxide vary. The effects below are possible but uncommon when the ingredient is used at appropriate cosmetic levels.
- Mild skin irritation such as redness or itching, most often when used in very high concentrations
- Eye stinging if the product accidentally gets into the eyes before rinsing
- Allergic contact dermatitis in people with a specific sensitivity to amine oxides
- Temporary scalp dryness when paired with other strong surfactants
If any discomfort or irritation develops discontinue use immediately and consult a healthcare professional if symptoms persist.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5
Dihydroxyethyl Lauramine Oxide is highly water soluble and usually appears in rinse-off cleansers, so it does not linger on the skin long enough to clog pores. Its molecular structure is amphiphilic, meaning it mixes with water and oil then washes away cleanly. Because it lacks heavy oils or waxes, the risk of pore blockage is minimal, earning it a low 1 out of 5 score.
For people prone to acne or breakouts this ingredient is generally considered safe and unlikely to trigger new blemishes.
One extra note: the overall comedogenicity of a finished formula also depends on the other ingredients and how long the product stays on the skin, so always look at the product as a whole.
Summary
Dihydroxyethyl Lauramine Oxide acts as a mild cleanser, foam booster, antistatic agent, emulsion stabiliser and hydrotrope. Its long lauryl tail grabs onto oils while the two hydroxyethyl groups hold water, letting it lift away grime, create rich lather, reduce static in hair, keep oil-water mixes uniform and help dissolve tricky ingredients.
It is a quiet workhorse rather than a headline superstar, showing up in everyday shampoos, body washes, micellar waters and gentle baby cleansers because it does its job without fuss.
Current research finds it low in irritation potential and not linked to serious health concerns. As with any new product though, do a quick patch test first to be safe and enjoy the clean, balanced feel this ingredient helps deliver.