What Is Sodium Laureth-17 Carboxylate?
Sodium Laureth-17 Carboxylate is a synthetic surfactant made by joining a plant derived fatty alcohol, usually lauryl alcohol from coconut or palm oil, with about 16 to 18 units of ethylene oxide, then attaching a carboxylate group and neutralizing it with sodium. The result is a water soluble salt that mixes oil and water with ease. Surfactants like this began gaining popularity in the mid-20th century when formulators searched for milder alternatives to traditional soap. Over time chemists fine-tuned the ethoxylation step to control foam, skin feel and rinsability, which led to widespread use in personal care.
To manufacture it, the fatty alcohol first reacts with ethylene oxide under heat and pressure, producing a chain of repeating oxyethylene units. This intermediate is then reacted with monochloroacetic acid to add the carboxylate group, followed by neutralization with sodium hydroxide to form the final salt. The end product is typically supplied as a clear viscous liquid or as a concentrated paste that is easy to incorporate into water based formulas.
Because of its gentle yet effective cleansing profile, Sodium Laureth-17 Carboxylate shows up in facial cleansers, body washes, bubble baths, scalp scrubs, makeup removing wipes, micellar waters, foaming masks and even some refreshing toners. It is often paired with other mild surfactants to create a balanced, low-irritation blend that still gives satisfying foam.
Sodium Laureth-17 Carboxylate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
Formulators choose this ingredient for several useful functions
- Cleansing: Lowers surface tension so oil, dirt and sweat can lift away from skin or hair then rinse off easily, leaving a fresh feel without a tight after-wash sensation
- Foaming: Produces a rich, stable lather that signals cleanliness and enhances the sensory experience, which helps consumers use the right amount of product and rinse thoroughly
- Cleansing: Its mild nature helps reduce the risk of stripping natural oils, making it suitable for daily use in gentle formulas aimed at sensitive or dry skin
Who Can Use Sodium Laureth-17 Carboxylate
This surfactant suits most skin types including normal, oily, combination and even sensitive skin because of its mild cleansing action. Dry or eczema prone skin can also tolerate it when formulated with added moisturizers since it does not aggressively strip lipids. Extremely compromised or broken skin may still feel a slight sting so a gentler non foaming cleanser may be preferred in that case.
The ingredient is synthesized from plant based fatty alcohols and does not involve animal derived substances or animal testing by default, making it acceptable for vegans and vegetarians provided the finished product follows cruelty free standards.
No data links Sodium Laureth-17 Carboxylate with hormonal disruption so products containing it are generally considered safe for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding. This is not medical advice and anyone who is expecting or nursing should clear any skincare routine with a qualified healthcare provider to be safe.
The molecule does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight, so it is not regarded as photosensitizing. Daily sunscreen is still important for overall skin health.
Because it is water soluble and rinses clean it rarely interferes with leave on actives or treatments applied afterward, making it easy to slot into most routines.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical Sodium Laureth-17 Carboxylate differ from person to person. The points below list potential side effects that could occur though they are not expected for the average user when the ingredient is properly formulated.
- Transient eye irritation if the cleanser accidentally gets into eyes
- Mild skin dryness or tightness when used in very high concentrations or in hard water
- Redness or itching in individuals with surfactant sensitivities
- Allergic contact dermatitis which is rare but documented in some cases
If any of these reactions occur discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional for guidance.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0 / 5
Sodium Laureth-17 Carboxylate is a fully water soluble surfactant that does not leave behind oily films or residues that could clog pores. Its large hydrophilic head keeps it dispersed in water so it rinses away cleanly, which is why it is considered non-comedogenic.
Suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin.
Because it is almost always used in rinse-off products any short contact time further reduces the chance of pore blockage or buildup.
Summary
Sodium Laureth-17 Carboxylate is a mild synthetic surfactant prized for two main jobs: lifting away dirt oil and makeup and building a cushiony foam that makes cleansing feel luxurious. It achieves these tasks by lowering surface tension so grime can mix with water then be washed off and by having a balanced hydrophilic-lipophilic structure that traps air to form stable bubbles.
The ingredient shows up widely in face washes body cleansers micellar waters and foaming masks though it is not as famous as household names like SLS or SLES. Its gentle profile and reliable performance keep it popular with formulators looking for low irritation options.
Current safety data classifies it as low risk for most users with only occasional mild reactions reported. As with any new product a quick patch test on a small area is a smart step before making it part of a daily routine.