What Is Sodium Laureth-16 Carboxylate?
Sodium Laureth-16 Carboxylate is the sodium salt of a carboxylic acid that comes from Laureth-16, an ethoxylated form of lauryl alcohol usually sourced from coconut or palm oil. In simple terms it is a water-friendly surfactant that helps lift oil and dirt from skin or hair. Surfactants of this kind began gaining popularity in the 1960s when formulators looked for milder alternatives to traditional soaps, and the ingredient has since found a stable place in modern personal care.
To make it, lauryl alcohol is first reacted with ethylene oxide to create Laureth-16, giving the molecule water-loving parts. This intermediate is then converted to a carboxylic acid and finally neutralized with sodium hydroxide to obtain the finished salt. The result is a substance that dissolves well in water, produces gentle foam, and rinses away without leaving a heavy film.
You will most often see Sodium Laureth-16 Carboxylate in face cleansers, body washes, shampoos, micellar waters, baby washes, makeup removers and sometimes in exfoliating masks where a mild yet effective cleanser is needed to prepare the skin.
Sodium Laureth-16 Carboxylate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient is valued for one key role in formulas: cleansing. As a mild surfactant it lowers surface tension so water can mix with oil, lifting away sweat, makeup and environmental grime. It creates a soft lather, helps other ingredients spread evenly, and leaves skin or hair feeling fresh without the tight sensation harsher detergents can cause.
Who Can Use Sodium Laureth-16 Carboxylate
This gentle surfactant is generally suitable for all skin types including sensitive, oily, combination and dry because it cleans without the harsh stripping action associated with stronger detergents. People with extremely delicate or already compromised skin barriers may still prefer very mild cream cleansers, as any foaming agent can occasionally aggravate dryness if overused.
Sodium Laureth-16 Carboxylate is typically produced from plant sources such as coconut or palm oil and involves no animal-derived materials, so it is considered appropriate for vegans and vegetarians. Cruelty-free status, however, depends on the policies of the finished product’s brand.
The ingredient does not appear on any major restriction lists for pregnancy or breastfeeding. Current safety assessments rate it as low risk when used as intended in rinse-off products. This is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should show the full ingredient list of any cosmetic product to a qualified healthcare provider to be sure it meets their individual needs.
Sodium Laureth-16 Carboxylate does not increase photosensitivity, so sun protection requirements remain unchanged. It is also color-safe for hair care formulas and pairs well with most other common cosmetic ingredients.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to topical Sodium Laureth-16 Carboxylate vary from person to person. The points below describe potential issues that are possible yet unlikely for the average user assuming the product has been properly formulated.
- Mild skin dryness or tightness
- Temporary redness or itching, especially on very sensitive skin
- Eye stinging if the cleanser accidentally gets into the eyes
- Allergic contact dermatitis in rare cases of individual sensitivity
- Scalp dryness or flakiness when used in high concentrations in shampoos
If any irritation or discomfort develops stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional for guidance.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 (very low likelihood of clogging pores)
Sodium Laureth-16 Carboxylate is highly water soluble and used almost exclusively in rinse-off cleansers, so it spends little time on skin and leaves minimal residue. Its molecular size and surfactant nature further reduce the chance of trapping oil or debris in follicles, resulting in a rating of 1 rather than a perfect 0. People who are prone to acne or breakouts can generally use products containing this ingredient without added concern.
Because it is part of a wash-off formula, overall comedogenic risk depends more on the full product composition and how thoroughly it is rinsed than on this surfactant itself.
Summary
Sodium Laureth-16 Carboxylate serves mainly as a mild cleansing agent that helps water mix with oil so dirt, sweat and makeup can be lifted away and rinsed off. Its ethoxylated backbone gives it the right balance of water-loving and oil-loving parts, allowing it to foam gently and leave skin or hair feeling fresh without a stripped after-feel.
While not as famous as sulfates or newer plant-based surfactants, it remains a steady favorite among formulators looking for dependable mildness at an affordable cost, especially in face washes, body washes and baby cleansers.
Safety assessments classify it as low risk in the concentrations used in cosmetics, and irritation is uncommon when products are formulated well. As with any new skincare or haircare product, performing a patch test first is a sensible step to make sure it suits your individual skin needs.