What Is Sodium Laureth-11 Carboxylate?
Sodium Laureth-11 Carboxylate is the sodium salt of a carboxylic acid that comes from laureth-11, an ethoxylated form of lauryl alcohol obtained mainly from coconut or palm kernel oil. Chemically it combines a fatty alcohol backbone with repeated ethylene oxide units, finished off with a carboxylate group that carries a negative charge in water. The ingredient was introduced in the late 20th century as formulators searched for gentler alternatives to traditional sulfate surfactants while still keeping rich foam and effective cleansing power.
Manufacturing starts with natural fatty alcohols that are reacted with ethylene oxide to create laureth-11, meaning the molecule now has about 11 repeating ethoxy units. This intermediate is then oxidized to add a carboxylic acid group and finally neutralized with sodium hydroxide to yield the water-soluble salt used in cosmetics.
Because it is both oil-loving and water-loving, Sodium Laureth-11 Carboxylate is widely used in rinse-off products such as facial cleansers, body washes, shampoos, bubble baths, micellar waters, and even some peel-off or clay masks where extra foaming helps lift away debris. Its mildness also makes it a supporting surfactant in baby washes and sensitive skin formulas.
Sodium Laureth-11 Carboxylate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
In formulas, this ingredient mainly serves two performance roles that enhance how a product feels and works on the skin or hair:
- Cleansing: Its surfactant nature lowers the surface tension of water so oils, dirt, sweat and makeup can be loosened then rinsed away, leaving skin and hair feeling fresh rather than stripped
- Foaming: It builds a stable creamy lather that many users associate with thorough cleaning, improving spreadability and user experience even at lower concentrations than harsher foaming agents
Who Can Use Sodium Laureth-11 Carboxylate
This gentle surfactant suits most skin types, including oily, combination, normal and even many sensitive skins thanks to its milder profile compared to sulfates. People with very dry or compromised skin might still feel a bit of tightness if the formula is overly concentrated or lacks added moisturizers, so richer follow-up care may be helpful for them.
The ingredient is typically sourced from coconut or palm kernel oil and involves no animal-derived substances, so it is generally acceptable for vegans and vegetarians as long as the finished product is certified cruelty-free.
Available safety data show no specific risks for pregnant or breastfeeding women when Sodium Laureth-11 Carboxylate is used in rinse-off cosmetics. Absorption through intact skin is minimal. That said, this is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should ask their doctor before starting or changing any skincare routine.
The molecule does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight, so there is no added need for extra sun protection beyond daily sunscreen recommendations.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to topical Sodium Laureth-11 Carboxylate differ from person to person. The points below outline potential issues but most users will not experience them when the ingredient is properly formulated and used as directed.
- Mild skin dryness or tightness
- Temporary redness or stinging on very sensitive or broken skin
- Eye irritation if the cleanser gets into the eyes
- Rare allergic contact dermatitis in individuals already sensitized to ethoxylated surfactants
- Fading of semi-permanent hair color if used in high-lather shampoos
If you notice persistent irritation or any unexpected reaction stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 out of 5
Sodium Laureth-11 Carboxylate is highly water-soluble, produces very little film on skin and is usually rinsed off within seconds, so it has little chance to clog pores. Trace residues tend to stay suspended in water rather than mix with skin oil, which keeps the risk of blocked pores low.
Because of this low score it is generally fine for people who are prone to acne or breakouts.
The rating applies to rinse-off use. If the ingredient appears in a leave-on product the chance of clogging may rise slightly, but such formulas are uncommon.
Summary
Sodium Laureth-11 Carboxylate is mainly a cleansing and foaming agent. Its oil-loving tail grabs dirt while its water-loving head lets that dirt rinse away, giving a creamy lather that feels gentle yet effective.
It shows up often in face washes, body washes and shampoos as a softer option to sulfates, though it is not as trendy as newer sugar-based surfactants.
Current safety data say it is low-risk when used as directed. Still, skin is personal so patch testing any new product is a smart habit.