Surfactant

Laureth-7

Mild non-ionic surfactant from lauryl alcohol and 7 moles of ethylene oxide. Effectively cleanses and emulsifies while remaining gentle on the skin. Widely used in mild cleansers and shampoos for daily use.

non-ionic surfactantmild cleanseremulsifierlaureth

✓ Safe

Comedogenic Rating

0/5

Irritation Potential

0/5

What is it?

Laureth-7 — polyoxyethylene lauryl alcohol with 7 moles of EO (PEG-7 lauryl ether). Molecular weight ~490 Da. Colorless or slightly yellow liquid. Well soluble in water. HLB ~12–13 → well suited for O/W emulsification and gentle cleansing. Differs from Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) — Laureth-7 is not sulfated → significantly milder, less irritating. Part of the Laureth-n series: Laureth-4 (HLB ~9, lipophilic), Laureth-7 (HLB ~12), Laureth-23 (HLB ~17, hydrophilic). Synthesized from coconut or synthetic lauryl alcohol.

Mild facial and body cleansers, daily use shampoos and baby products, creamy cleansing balms and oils, makeup removal lotions.

Key Benefits

✦

Gentle cleansing without disrupting the barrier

Laureth-7 effectively removes excess sebum and makeup without disrupting the skin's lipid barrier. Unlike sulfate surfactants (SLS, SLES), it does not denature the proteins of the stratum corneum and does not cause a feeling of "tightness" after washing. Ideal for daily cleansers, especially for normal and combination skin where aggressive cleansing is undesirable.

◈

Stable O/W emulsion in creamy textures

At concentrations of 1–5%, Laureth-7 effectively stabilizes O/W emulsions, providing creamy light textures. Especially useful in creamy cleansers like 'cleansing milk' and 'cleansing balm': provides a stable creamy texture that rinses off easily with water (due to the water solubility of the surfactant). Well compatible with cationic conditioners — does not neutralize their effectiveness.

✧

Compatibility with sensitive skin and baby cosmetics

The absence of a sulfate group (unlike SLES) and a moderate number of EO groups (7 compared to 23+) make Laureth-7 one of the mildest surfactants. Widely used in baby shampoos and bath foams, in products for atopic skin, and in hypoallergenic cleansers. Does not raise the skin's pH more than necessary for effective cleansing.

Suitable for

sensitive and atopic skindaily cleansingbaby products

Main Actions

✓ mild non-ionic cleansing✓ O/W emulsification✓ stabilization of creamy textures

Laureth-7 vs SLES (Sodium Laureth Sulfate)

Both are derivatives of lauryl alcohol with an EO chain. Difference: SLES is additionally sulfated → stronger anionic surfactant, significantly more foaming, but more irritating. Laureth-7 — non-ionic, mild, almost non-foaming. In shampoos: usually combines SLES (main cleansing action) + Laureth-7 (softening, stabilization). For sensitive skin and "sulfate-free" products: Laureth-7 as the main or sole surfactant.

CategorySurfactants

Check if this ingredient works for your skin — analyze your full product formula for free.

Analyze your product