What Is Laureth-6?
Laureth-6 is a synthetic compound officially known as 3,6,9,12,15,18-Hexaoxatriacontan-1-ol. It belongs to the Laureth family of ingredients, which are made by reacting lauryl alcohol, a fatty alcohol usually derived from coconut or palm kernel oil, with ethylene oxide. The “6” in its name tells formulators that six units of ethylene oxide were added, giving the molecule a balanced mix of oil loving and water loving parts.
The Laureth series appeared in cosmetics in the 1960s when chemists searched for gentler alternatives to the harsh soaps used at the time. By tweaking the number of ethylene oxide units they created surfactants that could clean effectively without stripping skin. Laureth-6 struck a sweet spot, offering good cleansing power along with mildness, so it soon found its way into everyday products.
Manufacturing begins with plant sourced lauryl alcohol that is purified then fed into a reactor with ethylene oxide under controlled heat and pressure. After six sequential additions of ethylene oxide the reaction is stopped and the finished Laureth-6 is refined to remove any traces of unreacted materials.
Today you can see Laureth-6 in facial cleansers, body washes, shampoos, micellar waters, exfoliating scrubs, makeup removers, shower gels and even some face masks that need a bit of foam to lift away debris.
Laureth-6’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
In formulas Laureth-6 plays two key roles that improve how a product feels and performs on skin or hair.
- Cleansing: Laureth-6 acts as a surfactant that loosens and lifts away dirt, oil and makeup so they can be rinsed off with water. Its balanced structure means it is strong enough to clean yet mild enough for daily use
- Emulsifying: It helps keep oil and water based ingredients evenly mixed, preventing separation during storage and ensuring a smooth texture when the product is applied
Who Can Use Laureth-6
Laureth-6 is generally suitable for normal, oily, combination and even dry skin thanks to its balanced cleansing action that removes grime without being overly harsh. Those with very sensitive or eczema prone skin might notice tightness or mild irritation if a formula contains a higher concentration, so opting for products marketed as gentle or for sensitive skin is wise.
The ingredient is synthesized from plant derived lauryl alcohol and ethylene oxide, with no animal by-products involved, so it is typically considered vegan and vegetarian friendly. Brands committed to cruelty free practices usually highlight this point on their labels.
No research links topical Laureth-6 to issues during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, though scientific data is limited. This information is not medical advice and pregnant or nursing women should run any skincare items past a doctor to be safe.
Laureth-6 does not increase photosensitivity, meaning it will not make skin more prone to sunburn. It also works well in hair care regardless of texture or porosity.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical Laureth-6 vary from person to person. The following points cover potential though uncommon side effects when the ingredient is used in properly formulated products
- Skin irritation such as redness stinging or itching
- Dryness or a tight feeling if the formula is too strong for the user’s skin type
- Contact dermatitis in individuals with an existing sensitivity to Laureth surfactants
- Eye irritation and tearing if the product accidentally gets into the eyes
If any discomfort or adverse reaction occurs discontinue use and seek guidance from a healthcare professional or dermatologist.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5
Laureth-6 has a very low tendency to clog pores because it is a water-soluble surfactant that typically gets rinsed off rather than sitting on the skin. Its molecular structure lacks the heavy, waxy character seen in ingredients that more commonly cause breakouts. For most users, especially when used in cleansers or shampoos, it is unlikely to contribute to blackheads or pimples.
This makes Laureth-6 generally suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin, provided the rest of the formula is also lightweight and non-occlusive.
One extra point worth noting is that a leave-on product containing a high percentage of Laureth-6 could feel slightly film-forming on very oily skin, though such high levels are rare in cosmetics.
Summary
Laureth-6 is valued in beauty formulas for two main reasons: it cleans by surrounding oil and dirt so they can be washed away and it acts as an emulsifier that keeps oil and water parts of a product mixed for a smooth, stable texture. Its balance of oil-loving and water-loving segments lets it do both jobs without harshness.
You will mostly see Laureth-6 in everyday cleansers, body washes and shampoos. It does not have star-ingredient status like hyaluronic acid or vitamin C, yet formulators rely on it quietly behind the scenes because it works well, is cost-effective and pairs easily with other ingredients.
Safety data and decades of use show Laureth-6 to be low risk for most people with irritation or allergy remaining uncommon. Still, everyone’s skin is different so try a small patch first when testing any new product that contains it to make sure it suits you.