What Is Laureth-14?
Laureth-14 is a synthetic ingredient created by attaching about 14 units of ethylene oxide to lauryl alcohol, a fatty alcohol most often sourced from coconut or palm kernel oil. The result is a clear water-soluble liquid that acts as a gentle surfactant. Chemists began adding ethoxylated fatty alcohols like Laureth-14 to personal care formulas in the mid-20th century when consumers wanted cleansers that foamed well yet felt mild on skin.
Manufacturing involves first extracting lauryl alcohol from natural oils, then reacting it with ethylene oxide in a controlled environment. Adjusting the amount of ethylene oxide lets producers fine-tune the ingredient’s thickness and cleansing strength. The number 14 refers to the average number of ethylene oxide units that have been added.
Thanks to its ability to mix oil and water, Laureth-14 shows up in many rinse-off and leave-on products. You are most likely to find it in facial cleansers, liquid hand soaps, body washes, shampoos, exfoliating masks, micellar waters, makeup removers, light lotions and some hair styling aids where a bit of extra slip is needed.
Laureth-14’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
Formulators rely on Laureth-14 for more than one reason, each linked to how the molecule behaves in water and oil.
- Cleansing: The surfactant portion of Laureth-14 lowers the surface tension of water so it can lift away dirt, excess oil and product buildup. This makes washes and cleansers foam better and rinse clean without leaving the skin tight.
- Emulsifying: Its oil-loving tail and water-loving head let it blend oily ingredients with water, creating stable lotions, creams and masks. This keeps formulas from separating and gives products a smooth consistent texture.
Who Can Use Laureth-14
Because it is considered a mild surfactant, Laureth-14 tends to work for most skin types including oily, combination, normal and even many sensitive skins found in rinse-off products. Those with very dry or compromised skin barriers may prefer formulas where it appears low on the ingredient list since high levels can strip natural lipids.
The ingredient is typically produced from plant oils or petroleum sources rather than animal by-products, so it is usually suitable for vegans and vegetarians. Anyone following a strict lifestyle may still want to confirm a brand’s sourcing and animal testing policies.
Current safety assessments do not flag Laureth-14 as a risk for pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, especially in wash-off formats that spend little time on the skin. This is not medical advice and anyone who is expecting or nursing should check with a healthcare professional before adding new personal care items.
Laureth-14 is not known to cause photosensitivity and there are no special sun precautions linked to its use.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to topical Laureth-14 differ from person to person. The points below outline potential but uncommon side effects. When used at levels cosmetic chemists consider safe, most people will not notice any problems.
- Skin dryness or tightness
- Mild irritation such as redness or stinging, more likely on broken or very sensitive skin
- Contact dermatitis or allergic rash in rare cases
- Eye watering or discomfort if the ingredient enters the eye at higher concentrations
If any undesirable reaction occurs stop using the product and consult a healthcare provider.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 / 5
Laureth-14 is highly water soluble and does not create an oily film on skin, so it has little tendency to clog pores. It is usually used in rinse-off products at modest levels, further lowering the chance of buildup. Because of these factors most dermatology references place ethoxylated surfactants like Laureth-14 at the very low end of the comedogenic scale.
People who are prone to acne or frequent breakouts generally tolerate this ingredient well.
As with any surfactant heavy formula, a very high concentration left on skin could, in theory, disrupt the barrier and trigger extra oil production that might indirectly worsen acne, but this is unlikely in properly formulated products.
Summary
Laureth-14 acts mainly as a cleanser and emulsifier. Its long fatty alcohol tail grabs onto oils while the chain of ethylene oxide units likes water, letting it lift dirt and oil away and blend water with oily ingredients so lotions or washes stay uniform. This dual nature explains why it boosts foam, improves rinse-off and keeps creams from separating.
It is a familiar workhorse in everyday cleansers, body washes and some light lotions, though newer ultra-mild surfactants have taken the spotlight in many prestige lines. Still, its balance of cleaning power and gentleness keeps it in steady demand for mass market formulas.
Current safety assessments find Laureth-14 non-toxic, non-sensitizing and safe at the levels used in cosmetics. While most users experience no issues, it is always smart to patch test a new product to be sure your skin agrees with the full formula.