What Is Laureth-11 Carboxylic Acid?
Laureth-11 Carboxylic Acid is a synthetic surfactant created from lauryl alcohol, a fatty alcohol that usually comes from coconut or palm kernel oil. Chemists attach roughly eleven units of ethylene oxide to the lauryl alcohol, then add a carboxyl group to one end, turning the molecule into a mild yet effective cleanser that mixes easily with water and oils. Members of the laureth carboxylic acid family first appeared in the 1970s when formulators looked for gentle alternatives to traditional soaps. Production starts with plant oils that are converted to lauryl alcohol, followed by controlled ethoxylation, and finally carboxymethylation to introduce the acidic head that boosts water solubility. Because it is both oil loving and water loving, Laureth-11 Carboxylic Acid shows up in facial cleansers, body washes, shampoos, micellar waters, makeup removers, exfoliating scrubs, sheet masks, and even some mild baby washes.
Laureth-11 Carboxylic Acid’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
In skin and hair products this ingredient serves one main purpose that delivers several practical advantages.
As a cleansing agent it helps water lift away dirt, excess oil and leftover makeup without leaving the skin feeling stripped. Its mild nature supports low-irritation formulas, allows easy rinsing, and creates a soft creamy lather that improves user experience.
Who Can Use Laureth-11 Carboxylic Acid
This surfactant is generally considered suitable for all skin types including oily, combination, normal and even most sensitive complexions because it cleanses without the harsh stripping effect linked to many older detergents. Extremely dry or compromised skin might still prefer formulas paired with extra moisturising ingredients to avoid any feeling of tightness after rinsing.
The molecule is produced from plant oils and petroleum-free laboratory reagents which means it normally meets vegan and vegetarian criteria as there are no animal-derived inputs. Shoppers should still check the full product label in case the finished formula contains animal by-products elsewhere.
No specific warnings have been issued for pregnant or breastfeeding women. The ingredient is not known to penetrate deeply or to interfere with hormones however this is not medical advice and anyone expecting or nursing should confirm any skincare choice with a qualified doctor just to be safe.
Laureth-11 Carboxylic Acid does not increase photosensitivity so it will not make skin more prone to sunburn. It also rinses cleanly which reduces the chance of residue that could interact with other topicals applied afterward.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical Laureth-11 Carboxylic Acid vary from person to person. The effects listed below are only potential issues and are very unlikely when the ingredient is used at normal cosmetic levels in a well-formulated product.
- Temporary stinging or redness on very sensitive skin
- Dryness or tightness if used in a high-foaming cleanser without added emollients
- Eye irritation if the cleanser accidentally gets into the eyes
- Rare allergic contact dermatitis marked by itching rash or swelling
- Theoretical risk of trace residual solvents such as 1,4-dioxane causing irritation if manufacturing purification is poor
Discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional if any adverse reaction occurs
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5 Laureth-11 Carboxylic Acid is highly water soluble and designed to rinse off rather than linger on skin, so it is very unlikely to block pores. Its mild surfactant structure lacks the heavy oils and waxes that typically raise comedogenicity scores. The only time build-up might occur is if a formula also contains rich occlusive ingredients and is not rinsed thoroughly.
Because of its low rating it is generally suitable for people who are prone to acne or frequent breakouts.
As with any surfactant, overuse or inadequate rinsing could leave a light film that might trap other comedogenic substances, but the ingredient itself poses minimal risk.
Summary
Laureth-11 Carboxylic Acid is a plant-derived synthetic surfactant that lifts away dirt, oil and makeup while keeping formulas mild and easy to rinse. Its dual water-loving and oil-loving character lets it create a soft lather that cleans without harsh stripping, making it a useful choice for facial cleansers, body washes and baby products.
The ingredient sits in the middle of the popularity scale: common enough to appear in many gentle cleansers yet not as ubiquitous as older surfactants like sodium laureth sulfate. Formulators reach for it when they want balanced cleansing power with a reduced risk of irritation.
Safety data show a low incidence of adverse reactions, and its comedogenic rating of 1 means most users can enjoy it without pore clogging concerns. As always, try a small patch test when starting any new product containing Laureth-11 Carboxylic Acid to be sure it suits your individual skin needs.