What Is Potassium Laureth-6 Carboxylate?
Potassium Laureth-6 Carboxylate is the potassium salt form of laureth-6 carboxylic acid, a molecule built from lauryl alcohol that has been ethoxylated six times then converted to a mild, water soluble carboxylic acid and finally neutralized with potassium hydroxide. The result is an amphiphilic compound that carries both water loving and oil loving parts, which lets it mix grime with water so the debris can be rinsed away.
This ingredient traces its roots to the early push for milder surfactants in the late twentieth century when formulators looked for alternatives to harsher sulfates. By tweaking classic fatty alcohols with ethylene oxide chemists created the laureth family of cleansers. Adding a carboxyl group and balancing it with potassium produced Potassium Laureth-6 Carboxylate, valued for its gentle yet effective cleansing power.
Manufacturing starts with plant derived lauryl alcohol, often from coconut or palm kernel oil. The alcohol undergoes controlled ethoxylation that links six ethylene oxide units to each molecule. The product is then reacted with monochloroacetic acid to introduce the carboxyl group. Neutralization with potassium hydroxide completes the conversion to the potassium salt, yielding a clear to pale yellow liquid that dissolves easily in water.
You will most often spot Potassium Laureth-6 Carboxylate in facial cleansers, body washes, gentle shampoos, micellar waters, baby care products and makeup removing wipes. It can also appear in foaming masks and shaving foams where soft, cushiony lather is key.
Potassium Laureth-6 Carboxylate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
In personal care formulas this ingredient serves one main role
Cleansing: Its balanced structure lifts oils, sweat, pollution and makeup from skin and hair without stripping the natural moisture barrier. It produces a soft, creamy foam, rinses cleanly and leaves a smooth after feel, making products pleasant to use while supporting healthy looking skin and scalp.
Who Can Use Potassium Laureth-6 Carboxylate
This gentle surfactant is generally well tolerated by all skin types, including sensitive, oily, combination and mature skin. Its mild nature means it usually cleans without over drying, though people with very dry or compromised skin may want to follow with a richer moisturizer to lock in hydration.
The ingredient is usually sourced from plant based fatty alcohols so it is suitable for vegans and vegetarians, provided the finished product does not contain animal derived additives elsewhere in the formula.
No specific contraindications are known for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Still, this is not medical advice and anyone expecting or nursing should review any skincare item with a qualified healthcare provider before use.
Potassium Laureth-6 Carboxylate is not known to increase sensitivity to sunlight, so normal daytime routines and sun protection practices apply.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical Potassium Laureth-6 Carboxylate vary from person to person. The points below describe potential side effects that are unlikely for most users when the ingredient is properly formulated in a product.
- Mild skin irritation such as redness or itching
- Transient stinging if applied to broken or very dry skin
- Eye irritation if the cleanser accidentally gets into the eyes
- Rare cases of allergic contact dermatitis for individuals sensitized to ethoxylated compounds
- Excess dryness if used frequently without adequate moisturization
If any uncomfortable reaction occurs stop using the product and seek advice from a medical professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0/5 (non comedogenic)
Potassium Laureth-6 Carboxylate is highly water soluble and designed to rinse away completely so it does not leave pore blocking residue. Its molecular size and polarity keep it from settling into follicles which makes it an unlikely trigger for blackheads or whiteheads.
That means it is a safe pick for people prone to acne or breakouts.
As with any cleanser final pore friendliness depends a bit on the entire formula, especially the presence of heavy oils or waxes, but the surfactant itself poses virtually no comedogenic risk.
Summary
Potassium Laureth-6 Carboxylate is a mild surfactant valued for its cleansing ability. It lifts oils, makeup and daily grime then rinses off cleanly without stripping the skin barrier which makes it a good fit for face washes, body cleansers and baby care products.
While not as famous as classic sulfates or newer plant based glucosides it still shows up in many gentle formulas because it balances foam quality with low irritation potential.
Safety data and consumer experience point to a low risk of irritation, sensitization or pore clogging. Still everyone’s skin is unique so it is wise to do a quick patch test when trying any new product that contains this ingredient.