What Is Laureth-11?
Laureth-11 is a synthetic ingredient made by attaching about eleven units of ethylene oxide to lauryl alcohol, a fatty alcohol that usually comes from coconut or palm kernel oil. The result is a nonionic surfactant officially known as poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl) α-dodecyl-ω-hydroxy-, but most product labels shorten it to Laureth-11. Chemists began using ethoxylated fatty alcohols in the 1950s when they were looking for mild yet effective alternatives to soap. Since then Laureth-11 has become a staple in personal care because it mixes oil and water without raising the pH or causing much irritation.
Manufacturing starts with purified lauryl alcohol. Through a controlled reaction called ethoxylation, producers feed ethylene oxide gas into the alcohol under heat and pressure, allowing exactly eleven molecules to attach. The process is carefully monitored to keep by-products low and to meet cosmetic-grade purity standards.
Because it is gentle, water-soluble, and works well alongside many other ingredients, Laureth-11 shows up in a wide range of rinse-off and leave-on products. You will often find it in facial cleansers, body washes, shampoos, bubble baths, makeup removers, exfoliating scrubs, clay or cream masks, lightweight lotions, and some hair conditioners.
Laureth-11’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
Formulators choose Laureth-11 for two main reasons that directly improve how a product looks, feels and performs on the skin or hair.
- Cleansing: As a mild surfactant it lowers the surface tension of water so oils, dirt and product buildup lift away more easily. This helps cleansers foam, rinse cleanly and leave skin feeling soft instead of stripped.
- Emulsifying: Its oil-and-water-friendly structure lets it bind watery and oily ingredients into a stable blend. This keeps creams, lotions and masks from separating, ensures an even texture and allows active ingredients to spread uniformly across the skin.
Who Can Use Laureth-11
Because Laureth-11 is a mild nonionic surfactant it suits most skin types, including normal, oily, combination and sensitive skin. People with very dry or eczema-prone skin can still use it but may want formulas that pair it with extra emollients since surfactants can sometimes lift away natural oils.
The ingredient is generally considered vegan and vegetarian friendly. Lauryl alcohol is most often sourced from coconut or palm kernel oil, not animal fat, and the ethoxylation step is a chemical process. If a brand certifies its supply chain as plant based the ingredient should align with vegan values.
Laureth-11 does not carry any known reproductive or developmental warnings. Current safety reviews state it is safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding when present at normal cosmetic levels. This is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should show the full ingredient list of a product to a qualified health professional before use.
The molecule is not known to make skin more sensitive to sunlight so it does not raise the risk of sunburn or pigmentation issues. It is also color safe for hair and noncomedogenic, meaning it will not block pores.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to topical Laureth-11 vary from person to person. The issues below are possible but uncommon when the ingredient is used at the levels found in finished cosmetics.
- Mild skin irritation such as redness or tightness, most likely if the product is left on for an extended period or used on already compromised skin
- if a cleanser containing Laureth-11 gets into the eyes
- Contact dermatitis in individuals with an existing sensitivity to ethoxylated ingredients
- Excessive dryness with very frequent use of high-foam cleansers lacking moisturizers
- Allergic rash which is rare but can occur in people reactive to surfactants in general
If any discomfort, rash or persistent dryness develops after using a product that contains Laureth-11 stop using the product and seek advice from a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0 out of 5. Laureth-11 is highly water soluble and does not form an occlusive film on skin so it is very unlikely to block pores. Its molecules rinse away cleanly and do not linger in follicles or mix with sebum. For this reason it is generally suitable for people who are prone to acne or breakouts. In leave-on formulas it is used at low levels, further reducing any clogging risk. No published data link Laureth-11 to increased comedones or blemishes.
Summary
Laureth-11 acts as a mild cleanser and an emulsifier. Its surfactant head attracts water while its fatty tail grips oil, letting it lift dirt and makeup in rinse-off products and hold oil-water blends together in creams and lotions. The ingredient sits in the mid-tier of popularity: it shows up often in everyday cleansers, body washes and masks but is less common in luxe or high-tech formulas that rely on newer surfactant systems. Safety reviews by cosmetic regulatory panels conclude it is safe at typical use levels, with irritation only possible in rare sensitive users. As with any new skincare item it is wise to perform a small patch test before adding a product containing Laureth-11 to your routine.