What Is Laureth-14 Carboxylic Acid?
Laureth-14 Carboxylic Acid is a synthetic surfactant made from lauryl alcohol, a fatty alcohol that can be sourced from coconut or palm oil. Chemists link the lauryl alcohol to an average of 14 ethylene oxide units, then add a carboxylic (acid) group to one end. This tweak gives the molecule a water-loving head and an oil-loving tail, a structure that helps it lift dirt and oil from skin and hair.
Surfactants like this began replacing traditional soap in the mid-20th century because they clean well without leaving a tight squeaky feel. Over time formulators found that adding a carboxylic acid group made the finished ingredient milder and more versatile, so Laureth-14 Carboxylic Acid became a staple in gentle cleansing products.
Manufacturing starts with ethoxylation, where ethylene oxide gas reacts with lauryl alcohol under heat and pressure. The resulting laureth-14 is then reacted with chloroacetic acid or another carboxymethylating agent to attach the acid group. The final material is purified, neutralized and supplied as a clear liquid or paste.
You will most often spot Laureth-14 Carboxylic Acid in facial cleansers, micellar waters, body washes, shampoos, exfoliating scrubs and rinse-off masks. It is also used in baby washes and other formulas that aim for a mild, low-foam cleanse.
Laureth-14 Carboxylic Acid’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient mainly serves one key role in personal care formulas
- Cleansing: Its balanced water- and oil-loving structure loosens makeup, sunscreen, excess sebum and everyday grime so they can be rinsed away. Because the molecule is larger and carries an acid group it is less likely to strip skin or hair, helping formulas feel mild while still giving a fresh clean finish.
Who Can Use Laureth-14 Carboxylic Acid
Because Laureth-14 Carboxylic Acid is a mild, rinse-off surfactant, it tends to suit most skin types including dry, oily and combination skin. People with very sensitive or compromised skin can usually tolerate it as well, though those with severe eczema or active dermatitis may still prefer ultra-minimal formulas without any synthetic surfactants.
The ingredient is produced from plant-derived lauryl alcohol and petrochemically sourced ethylene oxide with no animal by-products, so products that use it are generally suitable for vegans and vegetarians. As always, check the full ingredient list in case other animal-derived materials have been added.
No specific issues have been flagged for use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. That said, this is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should clear all skincare products with a qualified medical professional first.
Laureth-14 Carboxylic Acid is not known to cause photosensitivity and does not make skin more vulnerable to sun damage. Since it is almost always rinsed away, it leaves little residue behind, further reducing the chance of sun-related reactions.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical ingredients can vary from person to person. The points below outline potential side effects that have been noted in rare cases. Assuming the ingredient has been used correctly by the manufacturer, most users will not encounter these issues.
- Mild skin irritation such as tingling or burning when left on the skin for extended periods
- Redness or transient dryness in people with very sensitive or already compromised skin barriers
- Eye stinging if the cleanser accidentally gets into the eyes during use
- Allergic contact dermatitis in individuals who develop a specific allergy to the molecule itself or to residual processing agents
- Increased penetration of other actives which could intensify the effects of strong exfoliants or retinoids used in the same routine
If you experience any persistent discomfort or visible reaction while using Laureth-14 Carboxylic Acid or a product that contains it, discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional or dermatologist.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 / 5 (very low)
Laureth-14 Carboxylic Acid is highly water soluble and is almost always rinsed off within seconds, so it has little chance to build up inside pores. Its molecular structure is larger and more hydrophilic than the fatty acids that typically cause clogs, which further lowers the risk of comedones. For these reasons it earns a score of 1 out of 5.
Suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin.
Because the ingredient is usually blended with other surfactants and quickly washed away, any comedogenic impact will depend more on the full formula and how thoroughly the product is rinsed.
Summary
Laureth-14 Carboxylic Acid is a mild synthetic surfactant that lifts oil, dirt, makeup and sunscreen by pairing a water-loving head with an oil-loving tail, allowing grime to mix with water and rinse down the drain. That simple action makes it valuable in facial cleansers, body washes, baby washes and gentle shampoos.
While it is not a marquee ingredient you will see advertised front and center, it quietly shows up in many modern low-foam cleansers that aim for a clean yet soft skin feel.
Safety data ranks it as low irritation and low sensitization, with the biggest risk being minor stinging if left in the eyes. Overall it is considered safe for daily use by most skin types. As with any new skincare product, doing a quick patch test first is a smart way to rule out unexpected reactions.