What Is Disodium Laureth-7 Citrate?
Disodium Laureth-7 Citrate is a mild surfactant created from lauryl alcohol, a fatty alcohol often sourced from coconut or palm kernel oil. Chemists first add about seven units of ethylene oxide to the lauryl alcohol to make laureth-7, which increases water solubility. This ethoxylated chain is then partly esterified with citric acid and neutralized with sodium, giving the final disodium salt. The result is a water-loving molecule with a small oily tail, perfect for lifting dirt and blending oil and water phases.
The ingredient rose to popularity in the late twentieth century as brands looked for gentler options than traditional sulfates. Because it foams well yet feels soft on skin, formulators began adding it to face washes, micellar waters, baby shampoos, body washes, sheet mask serums and light moisturizers that need a self-emulsifying boost.
Disodium Laureth-7 Citrate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This multitasker supports both cleansing action and formula stability
- Cleansing: The surfactant head binds to water while the tail grabs onto oil and debris, allowing rinsing away of sweat, makeup and excess sebum without harsh stripping
- Emulsifying: Helps keep oil and water parts of a product blended so creams stay smooth, gels stay clear and formulas remain stable during storage
Who Can Use Disodium Laureth-7 Citrate
This gentle surfactant is generally well tolerated by every skin type including oily, combination, dry and sensitive skin. Because it removes grime without heavy stripping, people with easily irritated or reactive skin often find it more comfortable than harsher cleansing agents. Extremely dry or barrier-impaired skin may still prefer very short contact times and a richer follow-up moisturizer, as any cleanser can feel drying if overused.
Most grades of Disodium Laureth-7 Citrate are made from plant oils like coconut or palm so the ingredient is usually suitable for vegans and vegetarians. If animal-derived feedstocks or animal testing policies are a concern, look for brands that certify their supply chain as vegan and cruelty free.
Current data do not flag this ingredient as a problem for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding when used in rinse-off or leave-on cosmetics. It is not known to penetrate deeply or disrupt hormones. Still, this information is educational only. Expectant or nursing mothers should show any skin or hair product they plan to use to their doctor just to be safe.
Disodium Laureth-7 Citrate does not cause photosensitivity so it will not make skin more likely to burn in the sun. It is also mild enough for children and baby products when formulated correctly.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Side effects from topical use of Disodium Laureth-7 Citrate differ from person to person. The following points describe potential reactions only and most users will not experience them when the ingredient is used at the levels found in finished products.
- Mild irritation or redness in very sensitive skin, especially after prolonged contact
- Dryness or a tight feeling if the cleanser is used too frequently or in high concentrations
- Stinging in the eyes if the product accidentally makes contact with the eye area
- Rare allergic contact dermatitis resulting in itching, rash or swelling
If you notice persistent discomfort or an unexpected reaction stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0–1 (very low)
Disodium Laureth-7 Citrate is a highly water-soluble surfactant with a short fatty tail that rinses away completely rather than sitting on the skin surface. Because it leaves minimal residue and does not form an occlusive film, it is unlikely to trap dead cells or oil inside pores. Published ingredient databases and formulator feedback list little to no evidence of pore-clogging behavior, so a score at the bottom of the scale is appropriate.
Suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin.
The only time it could contribute to congestion is if a finished product also contains heavy oils or waxes that remain after rinsing, so always look at the full formula rather than judging a single ingredient in isolation.
Summary
Disodium Laureth-7 Citrate acts as both a mild cleanser and a light emulsifier. Its water-loving head grabs onto grime while the small oily tail loosens makeup and sebum, allowing everything to rinse away easily. At the same time the molecule positions itself at the oil-water interface, keeping lotions, gels and micellar waters uniform and stable.
Although it is not a buzzworthy superstar, the ingredient enjoys steady popularity in gentle face washes, baby shampoos and micellar cleansers because it offers foam and mildness without the sulfates many consumers now avoid.
Current safety assessments rate it as low-risk with irritation only possible at high levels or after lengthy contact. When you pick up any new product containing Disodium Laureth-7 Citrate it is still smart to perform a quick patch test to be sure it agrees with your individual skin.