What Is Laureth-13?
Laureth-13 is a synthetic ingredient made by reacting lauryl alcohol, which comes from coconut or palm kernel oil, with ethylene oxide. This reaction links repeating units of ethylene oxide to the fatty alcohol, creating a water-loving end and an oil-loving end in the same molecule. That split personality lets Laureth-13 mix oil and water with ease.
Chemists began experimenting with ethoxylated fatty alcohols in the mid-20th century as safer, milder options to replace harsher soaps. Laureth-13 gained popularity as a reliable, skin-friendly helper that keeps formulas stable and cleans efficiently. Today it is made in large batches where temperature, pressure and the amount of ethylene oxide are carefully controlled to reach exactly 13 repeating units, giving it predictable performance every time.
You will most often see Laureth-13 in rinsable products such as facial cleansers, body washes, scrubs and shampoo. It also shows up in leave-on items like lightweight lotions, serums and makeup removers where it helps keep oil-based and water-based ingredients blended.
Laureth-13’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
In formulas Laureth-13 pulls double duty, improving both texture and performance.
- Cleansing: The ingredient lowers surface tension so water can spread out and lift away dirt, makeup and excess oil. It gives a gentle yet effective lather, helping skin and hair feel clean without the tightness traditional soaps can cause.
- Emulsifying: Its balanced structure binds oil and water together, preventing separation. This keeps creams smooth, prevents clear cleansers from clouding and ensures active ingredients stay evenly distributed from the first pump to the last.
Who Can Use Laureth-13
Laureth-13 is generally well tolerated by most skin types including normal, oily and combination skin. Its mild nature and balanced cleansing power make it suitable for dry or mature skin when used in formulas that also contain moisturisers. People with very sensitive or compromised skin might notice mild stinging or tightness if the surrounding formula is highly concentrated in surfactants or contains strong actives.
The ingredient is synthesised from plant derived lauryl alcohol and petroleum-based ethylene oxide with no animal by-products involved, making it acceptable for vegans and vegetarians.
Current safety data do not flag any specific risks for pregnant or breastfeeding women. Still, this is not medical advice. Anyone expecting or nursing should discuss new skincare products with a qualified healthcare provider before use.
Laureth-13 is not known to cause photosensitivity. It does not interfere with sunscreen performance and does not increase the likelihood of sunburn.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical Laureth-13 vary from person to person. The effects listed below are possible yet uncommon when the ingredient is used at standard cosmetic levels in a properly formulated product.
- Mild skin irritation such as redness or itching, especially on very sensitive skin
- Transient dryness or tightness if used in a high-foam wash without follow-up moisturiser
- Eye irritation or tearing if the product accidentally gets into the eyes
- Allergic contact dermatitis in individuals already sensitised to ethoxylated surfactants
- Scalp flakiness when used in shampoos with high surfactant loads
If any discomfort or visible reaction occurs stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 2 / 5
Laureth-13 is highly water soluble and rinses away without leaving a thick oily film, which limits its tendency to block pores. Its moderate fatty chain means it is not as pore clogging as low-ethoxylated cousins like Laureth-4 yet it still has some lipid character that could contribute to buildup in very heavy formulas. Overall it is unlikely to provoke whiteheads or blackheads for most users.
It is generally suitable for people prone to acne or breakouts, especially when used in lightweight cleansers or lotions.
Comedogenic risk may rise if the product also contains rich plant butters or occlusive silicones because Laureth-13 can help those ingredients spread more evenly across the skin.
Summary
Laureth-13 works mainly as a cleanser and emulsifier. Its split oil-loving and water-loving structure lowers surface tension so water can grab onto dirt and oil then whisk them away while also holding oily and watery ingredients together so lotions stay silky and washes stay clear.
The ingredient shows up in many mass-market face washes body cleansers and shampoos though newer surfactants are stealing some spotlight. Formulators still reach for it because it is reliable cost-effective and easy to blend.
Current research and decades of use point to a strong safety profile with only minor irritation possible in sensitive individuals. As with any new skincare product it is wise to perform a quick patch test to make sure your skin plays nicely with the full formula.