What Is Sodium Laureth-6 Carboxylate?
Sodium Laureth-6 Carboxylate is a synthetic surfactant created by attaching about six units of ethylene oxide to lauryl alcohol, a fatty alcohol most often sourced from coconut or palm oil, then adding a carboxymethyl group and neutralizing the mixture with sodium. The result is a water-soluble powder or liquid that excels at mixing oil and water. The ingredient was introduced in the late 1980s as formulators searched for gentler, sulfate-free cleansers that still produced satisfying foam. Production involves three main steps: ethoxylation of lauryl alcohol, carboxylation that adds the mild acid group, and final neutralization with sodium hydroxide to create a stable salt.
Because of its mildness and versatility, Sodium Laureth-6 Carboxylate shows up in a wide range of rinse-off and leave-on cosmetics. You will see it in facial cleansers, micellar waters, body washes, shampoos, baby washes, bubble baths, makeup removers, scrubs and even some sheet mask essences where a touch of cleansing action prevents residue buildup.
Sodium Laureth-6 Carboxylate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
Formulators reach for this ingredient mainly for the way it improves how a product cleans and feels.
- Cleansing: Its surfactant structure lifts away dirt, oil and product buildup without overly stripping the skin or hair, leaving a fresh comfortable finish
- Foaming: It produces rich stable bubbles that give shampoos and body washes the creamy lather consumers associate with effective cleaning, making the washing experience more pleasant and helping the product spread evenly
Who Can Use Sodium Laureth-6 Carboxylate
This gentle surfactant is generally suitable for normal, oily, combination and even sensitive skin because it cleans without the harsh stripping sometimes linked to sulfates. Extremely dry or highly compromised skin may still prefer richer, creamier cleansers that leave more lipids behind, but most people tolerate this ingredient well.
Sodium Laureth-6 Carboxylate is made from plant based fatty alcohols and synthetic processing aids, so it is appropriate for vegans and vegetarians. No animal derived materials are involved in its standard manufacture.
Current safety data show no specific risks for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding when the ingredient is used at typical cosmetic concentrations. This is not medical advice and anyone who is expecting or nursing should run their entire skincare routine past a qualified healthcare provider before use to be safe.
The ingredient does not increase photosensitivity, so it will not make skin more prone to sunburn. It also has no known impact on hair color treatments or other common cosmetic actives.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical Sodium Laureth-6 Carboxylate vary from person to person. The following list covers potential side effects, but most consumers will not notice any problems when the ingredient is formulated and used correctly.
- Transient stinging or redness if the product is left on skin too long or used on broken skin
- Mild eye irritation if cleanser accidentally gets into the eyes
- Dry or tight feeling in very dry or compromised skin types after frequent use
- Rare allergic contact dermatitis marked by itching or small rash patches
If you experience any uncomfortable reaction stop using the product and seek advice from a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 / 5 – Sodium Laureth-6 Carboxylate is highly water-soluble and designed to lift away oils rather than sit on skin, so it has little tendency to block pores. Most formulas using it are rinse-off, which further reduces any clogging risk.
Because of this low rating, the ingredient is generally considered suitable for people who are prone to acne or breakouts.
One point to remember is that overall comedogenicity depends on the full recipe; if a cleanser pairs this surfactant with heavy emollients, the final product could still feel greasy to very oily skin.
Summary
Sodium Laureth-6 Carboxylate acts mainly as a cleanser and foam booster, loosening dirt and excess oil then whisking them away in a cushion of bubbles. Its ethoxylated chain makes it milder than traditional sulfates while the carboxylate group helps it stay effective in hard water.
You will find it in a growing number of sulfate-free shampoos, facial cleansers and body washes. It is not as famous as ingredients like cocamidopropyl betaine yet formulators appreciate its balance of gentleness and creamy lather.
Current research shows it to be safe at customary cosmetic levels with only rare irritation reports. As with any new product it is wise to do a quick patch test to confirm personal compatibility.