What Is Laureth-23?
Laureth-23 is a synthetic ingredient made by reacting lauryl alcohol with ethylene oxide until an average of twenty-three ethylene oxide units are attached. Lauryl alcohol can come from coconut or palm kernel oil or from petroleum, and the ethoxylation step turns the oil-like alcohol into a water-loving substance that works well in skin and hair products. Chemists first began using ethoxylated surfactants like Laureth-23 in the mid-1900s when the cosmetic industry needed gentle yet effective cleansers. Today the ingredient is produced in large batches under controlled temperatures and pressures to make sure each molecule has roughly the same chain length which keeps product performance consistent. You will most often see Laureth-23 in face and body washes, shampoos, bubble baths, exfoliating scrubs, makeup removers, micellar waters, creams and lotions that need a bit of foam or a smoother feel.
Laureth-23’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
Formulators turn to Laureth-23 because it brings more than one useful role to a product.
- Cleansing: Acts as a mild surfactant that lifts dirt oil and product buildup from skin or hair so they can be rinsed away with water for a fresh clean feel
- Emulsifying: Helps water and oil mix evenly which keeps creams and lotions from separating improves texture and gives formulas a light non-greasy finish
Who Can Use Laureth-23
Laureth-23 is generally suitable for most skin types including normal, oily, combination and even sensitive skin thanks to its mild cleansing action. People with very dry or compromised skin barriers may notice tightness if the formula contains a high percentage of the ingredient, so they should look for products balanced with moisturizers.
The ingredient is synthetic and contains no animal derived components so it is considered appropriate for vegans and vegetarians. Lauryl alcohol usually comes from coconut, palm kernel oil or petroleum, none of which involve animal by-products.
Current safety assessments show no specific risks for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding when Laureth-23 is used in rinse-off or leave-on cosmetics. Absorption through intact skin is minimal. That said, this is not medical advice and anyone expecting or nursing should confirm product choices with a healthcare professional.
Laureth-23 is not known to cause photosensitivity, so it will not make skin more prone to sunburn. It is also fragrance free and non volatile, which makes it unlikely to trigger respiratory issues during normal use.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical Laureth-23 vary from person to person. The effects listed below are possible but most users will have no problems when the ingredient is used at the levels typically found in cosmetics.
- Skin dryness prolonged exposure can pull away natural oils leading to a tight or flaky feel especially on already dry skin
- Mild irritation or redness some individuals with very sensitive skin may experience transient stinging or warmth
- Contact dermatitis rare allergic reactions can cause itching, rash or swelling
- Eye irritation high concentrations or accidental eye contact may lead to tearing and discomfort
- Folliculitis in uncommon cases residue trapped in hair follicles could contribute to small red bumps
If any discomfort or unusual reaction occurs stop using the product and seek medical advice.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5 (low likelihood of clogging pores)
Laureth-23 is highly water soluble and rinses away easily without leaving a heavy film on skin. Its molecular size and surfactant nature help it lift oils rather than sit inside pores so it seldom contributes to comedones except in very concentrated leave-on formulas.
Most acne-prone users tolerate it well though extremely sensitive or very oily skin types should still pay attention to how the overall product feels and how many other potentially pore-clogging ingredients are present.
No studies link Laureth-23 to fungal acne triggers which makes it a safer bet for those managing malassezia issues.
Summary
Laureth-23 functions as a mild cleanser and an emulsifier. Its ethoxylated chain has a water-loving end that grabs onto water and an oil-loving lauryl tail that binds to grease letting it lift dirt then wash away. The same split personality lets it hold oil and water together which stabilises creams and gives lotions a smooth glide.
The ingredient shows up in everything from face wash to shampoo to lightweight lotions because it is affordable, easy to formulate with and delivers reliable foam without harshness though it rarely gets the spotlight on product labels.
Safety reviews place Laureth-23 in the low risk category for irritation or absorption. Most people can use it without concern but as with any new skincare ingredient it is smart to do a small patch test first especially if your skin is reactive.