What Is Laureth-38?
Laureth-38 is a synthetic compound belonging to the laureth family of non-ionic surfactants. Chemically it is described as poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl) α-dodecyl ω-hydroxy-, which means it is made by attaching roughly 38 units of ethylene oxide to lauryl alcohol, a fatty alcohol that can be sourced from coconut or palm kernel oil. The resulting chain is water-loving at one end and oil-loving at the other, a balance that makes it valuable for cleansing applications.
Surfactants like Laureth-38 became popular in cosmetics during the mid-20th century when formulators looked for milder, more versatile alternatives to traditional soaps. Ethoxylation technology allowed manufacturers to fine-tune the length of the ethylene oxide chain, giving rise to numbered grades such as Laureth-4, Laureth-7 and Laureth-38. A higher number generally indicates greater water solubility and milder action on skin.
Production starts with naturally derived lauryl alcohol that is purified and then reacted with ethylene oxide gas under controlled temperature and pressure. After neutralization and purification, the liquid surfactant is ready for blending into finished products.
You will most often find Laureth-38 in facial cleansers, body washes, micellar waters, exfoliating masks and shampoo formulas where a gentle yet effective cleansing agent is required. It may also appear in makeup removers or bath foams to help disperse oils and impurities while keeping the formula clear and stable.
Laureth-38’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
In skincare and haircare formulas Laureth-38 is valued primarily for its ability to cleanse without stripping.
- Cleansing: Acts as a mild surfactant that lowers surface tension, allowing water to mix with oil and dirt so they can be rinsed away easily. This results in products that remove makeup, sebum and everyday grime while maintaining skin comfort.
Who Can Use Laureth-38
Laureth-38 suits most skin types including normal, oily, combination and even sensitive skin because of its mild non ionic nature. Dry or very delicate skin may still prefer richer cleansers with added moisturizers as any surfactant can cause tightness if left on too long or used too often.
The ingredient is made from lauryl alcohol that is usually sourced from coconut or palm kernel oil then reacted with ethylene oxide. No animal material is needed so products that use Laureth-38 can be formulated to meet vegan and vegetarian standards. Always check the full ingredient list to be sure the rest of the formula is also free of animal by-products.
Current safety data do not show specific risks for pregnant or breastfeeding women when Laureth-38 is used in wash-off cosmetics. This is not medical advice and anyone who is expecting or nursing should show their skincare routine to a qualified healthcare provider to be safe.
Laureth-38 does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight and will not interfere with sunscreen. It also mixes well with most common skincare actives so there are no special usage rules beyond rinsing it off well.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Side effects and reactions to topical use of Laureth-38 can vary from person to person. The points below list potential issues yet most users will not experience them when the ingredient is properly formulated and rinsed away.
- Mild skin dryness or tightness after use
- Temporary redness or irritation especially on very sensitive or damaged skin
- Eye stinging if the product gets into the eyes
- Contact dermatitis in rare cases of individual allergy
If you notice any of these problems stop using the product and seek help from a healthcare professional if the reaction does not clear up quickly.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5
Laureth-38 is highly water-soluble and does not form an occlusive film on the skin so it rarely traps oil or dead cells in pores. Its primary role is to lift away impurities then rinse off which further limits any chance of buildup. Because of this it sits at the lower end of the scale.
Suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone users in most rinse-off products.
Keep in mind that overall formula matters. Heavy oils or waxes paired with Laureth-38 could still clog pores even though the surfactant itself is low risk.
Summary
Laureth-38 is a non-ionic surfactant that excels at cleansing. Its long ethoxylated chain makes one end love water and the other end love oil so it can grab dirt makeup and excess sebum then let water wash them away without harshness.
You will not see it in every cleanser because lower numbered laureths like Laureth-4 or Laureth-7 are more common and cheaper yet brands that want a little extra mildness or clarity sometimes pick Laureth-38.
Current data shows it is safe for the vast majority of users when used as directed in wash-off products. As with any new skincare ingredient do a quick patch test when you try a formula that contains Laureth-38 so you can be sure it agrees with your skin.