What Is Laureth-1 Phosphate?
Laureth-1 Phosphate, chemically known as Polyoxyethylene (1) Lauryl Ether Phosphate, is a synthetic ingredient created by combining lauryl alcohol from coconut or palm oil with a small amount of ethylene oxide, then adding a phosphate group. The result is a mild, water-soluble surfactant that has both oil-loving and water-loving parts, allowing it to mix oils, dirt and water with ease. It gained popularity in the late 20th century as brands searched for gentler cleansers that still produced a satisfying foam. Production involves first ethoxylating lauryl alcohol to form Laureth-1, then reacting it with phosphoric acid to yield Laureth-1 Phosphate. You will most often spot it in facial cleansers, body washes, shampoos, micellar waters, baby washes and makeup-removing wipes where a soft cleanse is key.
Laureth-1 Phosphate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient serves one main purpose in personal care formulas.
Cleansing: Laureth-1 Phosphate helps water mix with oils and debris so they can be rinsed away. Its gentle action lifts daily buildup without stripping natural moisture, making formulas feel mild yet effective and leaving skin or hair fresh and comfortable.
Who Can Use Laureth-1 Phosphate
Thanks to its mild cleansing profile Laureth-1 Phosphate is generally well tolerated by all skin types including oily, dry, sensitive and combination skin. People with very reactive or compromised skin should still check the full product formula because irritation is more often linked to other surfactants, fragrances or preservatives paired with it rather than this ingredient itself.
The compound is synthetically produced from plant-derived lauryl alcohol and contains no animal by-products so it is considered suitable for vegans and vegetarians. Manufacturers should confirm that no animal testing was involved to meet individual ethical standards.
No evidence shows that topical use poses specific risks to pregnant or breastfeeding women when used as directed. This information is not medical advice; anyone who is expecting or nursing should discuss any skincare product with a healthcare professional to be safe.
Laureth-1 Phosphate does not increase photosensitivity and has no known interactions with sun exposure, so it will not make skin more prone to burning. It is also compatible with most other common skincare ingredients, allowing formulators to pair it with actives like niacinamide or gentle exfoliating acids without issue.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Side effects and reactions to topical Laureth-1 Phosphate differ from person to person. The points below outline potential outcomes, but most users will not experience them when the ingredient is properly formulated and used as directed.
- Mild skin irritation – a temporary stinging or redness can occur, especially on already sensitized skin
- Dryness or tightness – over-cleansing or high concentrations may strip natural oils leading to a dry feel
- Contact dermatitis – rare allergic reactions can produce itching, rash or swelling
- Eye irritation – if a cleanser accidentally gets into the eyes it may cause tearing or discomfort until rinsed out
- Scalp flakiness – in shampoos very sensitive scalps might notice slight flaking if the product is not thoroughly rinsed
If any of these reactions occur discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional if symptoms persist or worsen.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 / 5
Laureth-1 Phosphate is a highly water-soluble surfactant that rinses off easily so it does not linger on the skin long enough to block pores. Its cleansing action actually helps remove excess oil and debris which further reduces the chance of clogging. For these reasons it earns a low comedogenic score of 1.
Because of this low rating the ingredient is generally suitable for people who are prone to acne or breakouts.
Keep in mind that overall pore-clogging potential depends on the entire formula. Heavy butters or occlusive oils paired with Laureth-1 Phosphate can raise the comedogenicity of the finished product even if the surfactant itself is low risk.
Summary
Laureth-1 Phosphate is used in cosmetics as a mild cleansing agent. Its structure contains an oil-loving tail that grabs onto sebum and dirt and a water-loving head that lets those impurities rinse away, giving skin and hair a fresh comfortable feel.
It appears in a variety of gentle cleansers, micellar waters, baby washes and sulfate-free shampoos. Although it is not a headline-grabbing ingredient it has carved out a steady spot in formulas aimed at sensitive skin or anyone looking for a softer cleanse.
Safety data show it to be low irritation for most users with very rare allergic reactions. As with any new skincare product a small patch test on a discreet area is wise before full use to confirm personal tolerance.