What Is Magnesium Laureth-5 Sulfate?
Magnesium Laureth-5 Sulfate is a surfactant made by joining lauryl alcohol, a fatty alcohol that can come from coconut or palm oil, with about five units of ethylene oxide, then attaching a sulfate group and finally neutralizing the mix with magnesium. The result is a water-soluble salt that lowers the surface tension of water so oils and dirt can be lifted away more easily.
Surfactants like this began to appear in personal care during the mid-20th century as gentler, plant-based alternatives to the harsher soaps of the past. Adding ethylene oxide chains gave chemists control over foaming and mildness, while using magnesium instead of sodium helped soften the feel on skin and hair.
The manufacturing process starts with fatty alcohol that is reacted with ethylene oxide in a controlled setting to reach an average of five repeating units. The ethoxylated alcohol is then sulfated with sulfur trioxide or chlorosulfonic acid. Finally, magnesium hydroxide or magnesium carbonate is added to neutralize the acid and form the finished salt. The product is usually sold as a clear liquid that can be blended directly into formulas.
You will mostly find Magnesium Laureth-5 Sulfate in foaming cleansers such as shampoos, body washes, facial cleansers, bubble baths and hand soaps. It can also appear in exfoliating scrubs and cleansing masks where a gentle yet effective lather is desired.
Magnesium Laureth-5 Sulfate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
Magnesium Laureth-5 Sulfate serves one main purpose in cosmetics: it acts as a cleansing agent. By reducing the surface tension of water it helps loosen and suspend oils, makeup, sweat and everyday grime so they rinse away easily. This gives products a rich, satisfying lather while leaving skin and hair feeling clean without an overly stripped sensation.
Who Can Use Magnesium Laureth-5 Sulfate
Because it is a milder cleansing surfactant than traditional sulfates, Magnesium Laureth-5 Sulfate is generally well tolerated by oily, normal and combination skin. It can also suit many people with sensitive skin, though those who are extremely dry or dealing with active eczema may find any foaming cleanser a bit too stripping and might prefer creamier non-foaming options.
The ingredient is synthesized from plant-derived fatty alcohols so it is typically suitable for vegans and vegetarians. If animal-free sourcing is important, look for brands that state their raw materials are fully plant based.
Available safety data shows no specific concerns for pregnant or breastfeeding women using products that contain this surfactant at normal rinse-off levels. This is not medical advice and anyone who is expecting or nursing should check with a doctor before starting a new personal care product.
Magnesium Laureth-5 Sulfate does not make skin more sensitive to the sun and has no known interactions with sunscreen actives. It is water soluble and rinses away cleanly so it will not leave residue that interferes with leave-on products.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Side effects and reactions to topical Magnesium Laureth-5 Sulfate vary from person to person. The points below cover potential issues only; most users will not experience them when the ingredient is formulated and used correctly.
- Dryness or tightness – prolonged contact or very frequent washing can remove some of the skin’s natural oils
- Mild irritation – people with compromised skin barriers might notice redness or a stinging sensation
- Eye discomfort – like most surfactants it can cause temporary burning if the lather gets into the eyes
- Allergic contact dermatitis – rare cases of itchiness, rash or swelling have been reported when someone is specifically allergic to this class of surfactants
If any of these reactions occur stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Comedogenic rating: 1/5. Magnesium Laureth-5 Sulfate is highly water soluble and rinses off completely, leaving little chance for residue to sit in pores and cause blockages. Its molecule is also too large to penetrate deeply into the follicle where comedones form. Because of these factors it is considered very unlikely to trigger blackheads or whiteheads.
Suitable for acne-prone skin in most cases, though individual reactions can vary.
One extra point worth noting is that products containing heavy oils or butters alongside this surfactant could still clog pores, so evaluate the entire formula rather than the cleanser alone.
Summary
Magnesium Laureth-5 Sulfate is used mainly to cleanse by lowering water’s surface tension so oil, dirt and product build-up can lift away with the rinse. It produces a creamy foam while remaining milder than traditional sulfates thanks to its ethoxylated structure and the gentler magnesium counter-ion.
The ingredient shows up in a fair number of shampoos, body washes and facial cleansers but it is not as common as household names like sodium laureth sulfate, partly because it is pricier and formulators often reserve it for products marketed as mild or premium.
Current research and decades of use indicate it is safe in rinse-off concentrations, with irritation only occasionally reported. As with any new skincare product it is smart to patch test first to make sure your skin agrees with the overall formula.