What Is Glycereth-6 Laurate?
Glycereth-6 Laurate is a water soluble ester created by joining lauric acid, a fatty acid most often extracted from coconut or palm kernel oil, with glycerin that has been reacted with roughly six units of ethylene oxide. The result is a clear liquid that combines the skin friendly feel of glycerin with the light surfactant power of a laurate fatty acid. Chemists first explored this material in the 1960s while looking for milder alternatives to harsh soaps, and it soon found a place in gentle facial cleansers and baby washes. To make it, manufacturers start with vegetable derived glycerin, add ethylene oxide in a controlled reaction to build the “Glycereth-6” backbone, then esterify the molecule with lauric acid. Its balanced structure lets it dissolve in both water and oil, so you will spot it in micellar waters, foaming face washes, shower gels, makeup removers, sheet mask essences, lightweight moisturizers and even some sprayable sunscreens where it helps keep the formula uniform.
Glycereth-6 Laurate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This versatile ingredient offers two main contributions to a cosmetic formula
- Cleansing: Its mild surfactant action loosens dirt, oil and makeup so they rinse away without stripping the skin, making it ideal for sensitive skin cleansers and tear-free baby products
- Emulsifying: By helping water and oil mix smoothly it stabilizes lotions, gels and sprays, preventing separation and giving the finished product a consistent texture
Who Can Use Glycereth-6 Laurate
Because it is a gentle cleansing and emulsifying agent, Glycereth-6 Laurate is generally well tolerated by all skin types including sensitive, oily, combination and normal skin. Very dry or eczema-prone skin might notice slight tightness if the ingredient is used at a high level in a rinse-off formula though most products keep concentrations low enough to avoid this.
The lauric acid and glycerin used to make Glycereth-6 Laurate are usually sourced from coconut or palm kernel oil which makes the ingredient suitable for vegans and vegetarians. Those following a strict plant-based lifestyle may wish to confirm that the specific product they purchase uses vegetable-derived sources and has not been processed with animal by-products.
No data indicate that Glycereth-6 Laurate poses a risk during pregnancy or breastfeeding when used topically in cosmetics. That said this is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should check with a doctor before introducing new skincare products just to be safe.
The molecule does not absorb UV light and is not known to cause photosensitivity so it will not increase sunburn risk. It is also non-volatile and fragrance-free which helps reduce chances of irritation for fragrance-sensitive users.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical Glycereth-6 Laurate differ from person to person. The effects listed below are only potential outcomes and are unlikely for most users when the ingredient is used correctly in a finished product.
- Skin irritation such as redness or a stinging sensation, particularly on very sensitive or compromised skin
- Dryness or tight feeling if the formulation relies heavily on its cleansing action without balancing moisturizers
- Allergic contact dermatitis in individuals who are specifically allergic to lauric acid derivatives or ethoxylated compounds
- Mild eye irritation or tearing if a high-foam cleanser accidentally gets into the eyes
If any of these reactions occur stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional for guidance.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5
Glycereth-6 Laurate is highly water soluble and used in very small amounts, so it does not sit on the skin or clog pores the way heavier oils can. The lauric acid portion is bound to a glycereth backbone, limiting the fatty acid’s ability to accumulate in pores. For most users it is unlikely to trigger blackheads or whiteheads, making it generally suitable for acne-prone skin.
Because every formula is different, other ingredients in the product or very high usage levels could change how pore friendly the finished item is, but Glycereth-6 Laurate on its own is considered low risk.
Summary
Glycereth-6 Laurate acts primarily as a gentle cleanser and an emulsifier. Its surfactant head loosens dirt while its balanced oil-and-water structure lets it keep oils and water blended so lotions and gels stay smooth. This dual role lets brands reduce the number of separate ingredients they need, simplifying labels and cutting costs.
You will spot it in mainstream micellar waters, baby washes and a growing number of lightweight lotions, though it is still less famous than classic surfactants like SLS or polysorbates. Formulators appreciate its mildness and versatility which has pushed it into more modern “sensitive skin” launches.
Current research and decades of use show it is safe for topical application with a very low irritation profile. As with any new skincare ingredient it is smart to patch test a product first to make sure your skin agrees with the overall formula.