What Is Laureth-7?
Laureth-7 is the cosmetic name for 3,6,9,12,15,18,21-Heptaoxatritriacontanol, a synthetic liquid ingredient built from lauryl alcohol and ethylene oxide. The number 7 tells chemists it contains an average of seven repeating ethylene oxide units, which gives the molecule its water-loving character. Although the starting lauryl alcohol can be sourced from coconut or palm kernel oil, the finished material is made in a lab where the alcohol is reacted with ethylene oxide under controlled heat and pressure. This process has been refined since the 1960s when ethoxylated fatty alcohols first gained popularity for their mild surfactant properties and ability to blend oil and water in one phase.
Today Laureth-7 shows up in a wide range of rinse-off and leave-on products. You may spot it in facial cleansers, micellar waters, body washes, shampoos, cream masks, lightweight moisturizers and even in some hair color conditioners where it helps keep the formula stable and gives a soft feel on the skin or hair.
Laureth-7’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This versatile ingredient mainly does two jobs in beauty formulas
- Cleansing: Laureth-7 lowers the surface tension of water so oils, dirt and makeup can lift away more easily. It creates a gentle lather and helps leave skin feeling clean without the tight, stripped sensation harsher surfactants can cause.
- Emulsifying: Because one end of the molecule likes oil and the other likes water, Laureth-7 binds the two phases together. This keeps creams, lotions and masks smooth and uniform over time preventing separation and improving the user experience.
Who Can Use Laureth-7
Laureth-7 is generally considered suitable for all skin types including oily, combination, normal and dry skin because it is a mild surfactant that rinses clean without leaving a heavy residue. People with very reactive or eczema-prone skin might want to be cautious since any surfactant, even a gentle one, can contribute to dryness if overused.
The ingredient is made from lauryl alcohol that is usually sourced from coconut or palm kernal oil then fully synthesized in a lab, so there are no animal-derived components. That makes Laureth-7 acceptable for both vegetarians and vegans.
Current safety data show no specific risks for pregnant or breastfeeding women when Laureth-7 is used in normal cosmetic concentrations. Still this is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should run any skincare product past a qualified healthcare provider to be safe.
Laureth-7 does not increase photosensitivity and there are no known issues with using it alongside common active ingredients like retinoids or vitamin C. It is also non-volatile so it will not worsen sunburn risk through evaporation.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to topical Laureth-7 can vary from person to person. The points below list potential side effects only, and they are highly unlikely to be the typical user experience. When the ingredient is used at the correct level by a reputable manufacturer most people will not notice any negative effects.
- Mild skin irritation or stinging, especially on compromised or freshly shaved skin
- Dryness or tightness if the product is left on for prolonged periods or used too often
- Allergic contact dermatitis in rare cases for individuals who become sensitized
- Eye irritation if the formula splashes into the eyes during cleansing
- Trace contamination with 1,4-dioxane if the manufacturer has not removed this by-product adequately, though reputable brands test for and limit it
If you experience any of the above while using Laureth-7 or a product that contains it stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 / 5
Laureth-7 is highly water soluble and rinses away without leaving a heavy film so it has little tendency to clog pores. It is classified as a mild non-occlusive surfactant which keeps the rating close to zero, yet a small chance of residue in very rich emulsions still places it at a cautious 1 rather than 0.
Suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin in most cases.
Only exceptionally thick formulations that pair Laureth-7 with heavy oils or waxes might raise the pore-clogging potential, so the overall formula matters more than this single ingredient.
Summary
Laureth-7 works as a gentle cleanser and an emulsifier. Its water-loving ethylene oxide chain grabs onto water while the lauryl alcohol portion anchors to oils, letting it lift grime, makeup and excess sebum then help keep oil-and-water mixes stable in creams, lotions and masks.
The ingredient is fairly common in both mass and professional products because it is cost-effective, mild and easy to formulate with, though it does not enjoy the buzzier reputation of plant-derived or sulfate-free surfactants.
Safety reviews rate Laureth-7 as low risk at typical use levels with irritation or allergy being rare. Still everyone’s skin is unique so it is smart to patch test any new product containing Laureth-7 before full use just to be safe.