What Is Propylene Glycol Laureth-6?
Propylene Glycol Laureth-6 is a synthetic ingredient made by reacting propylene oxide and ethylene oxide with lauryl alcohol, a fatty alcohol derived from coconut or palm kernel oil. The numbers in its name indicate that an average of six ethylene oxide units are attached to the lauryl chain. This combination creates a molecule with a fat-loving tail and a water-loving head, which is what makes it useful in many cosmetic formulas.
The use of lauryl alcohol derivatives in personal care began in the mid-20th century when chemists searched for milder alternatives to traditional soaps. By adding controlled amounts of propylene oxide and ethylene oxide, they produced surfactants that clean effectively yet feel gentle on skin. Modern production takes place in closed reactors where temperature, pressure and reaction time are carefully managed to ensure consistent chain length and purity. The final liquid is then purified and blended into various finished products.
You will most often spot Propylene Glycol Laureth-6 in facial cleansers, body washes, exfoliating scrubs, micellar waters, makeup removers, shampoos, conditioners and even lightweight lotions where a smooth non-greasy feel is desired.
Propylene Glycol Laureth-6’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This multitasking ingredient adds value to formulas in more than one way
- Cleansing: Its surfactant nature lifts away oil, dirt and makeup while rinsing off easily to leave skin and hair feeling fresh
- Emulsifying: It helps water and oil stay blended so creams, lotions and washes remain stable, smooth and pleasant to apply without separating on the shelf
Who Can Use Propylene Glycol Laureth-6
Most skin types can tolerate Propylene Glycol Laureth-6. Its gentle cleansing action suits normal, combination and oily skin while dry or very sensitive skin may find frequent use slightly dehydrating because it can lift away natural oils. People with known sensitivities to surfactants should proceed with caution and monitor how their skin feels after use.
The ingredient is considered suitable for vegans and vegetarians as its fatty alcohol starter is plant derived (typically coconut or palm) and the remaining steps are synthetic with no animal by-products involved.
Current safety data does not flag any specific concerns for pregnant or breastfeeding women when the ingredient is used in rinse-off or leave-on cosmetics. That said this is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should have their doctor review any skincare products they plan to use to be safe.
Propylene Glycol Laureth-6 does not increase photosensitivity so there is no added risk of sunburn from using products that contain it. It also plays well with most other common cosmetic ingredients making formulation conflicts unlikely.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical Propylene Glycol Laureth-6 differ from person to person. The following are potential side effects that could occur yet are not expected for the average user when the ingredient is used at appropriate levels in a well-formulated product.
- Irritation or redness
- Dryness or tightness of the skin
- Contact dermatitis in individuals with a specific allergy
- Eye stinging or watering if the product accidentally gets into the eyes
- Scalp dryness or flaking when used in hair products
If any of these effects appear stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional or dermatologist if symptoms persist.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5 Propylene Glycol Laureth-6 is highly water soluble and does not form a heavy film on skin, so it rarely blocks pores. Its primary role as a surfactant means it is designed to lift oils away rather than sit on top of them, which helps keep follicles clear. For these reasons it is generally considered safe for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin. Keep in mind that overall formulation matters; if the product also contains rich oils or waxes, pore-clogging potential could rise, but the ingredient itself is low risk.
Summary
Propylene Glycol Laureth-6 acts mainly as a cleanser and emulsifier. Its split personality molecule has a fat-loving tail that grabs onto oils and a water-loving head that lets those oils rinse away, creating mild but effective cleansing power. The same structure keeps water and oil mixed in lotions and washes so the texture stays smooth.
You will find this ingredient in many mainstream face washes, body cleansers and hair products, though it is not as widely talked about as classics like SLS. Formulators appreciate its gentle feel and dependable performance.
Safety reviews show it has low irritation and very low comedogenic potential when used at typical cosmetic levels. Still, every skin is different so it is wise to patch test any new product that contains Propylene Glycol Laureth-6 before adding it to your regular routine.