Snapshot
- Overview
- A mild surfactant that boosts cleansing and smooths product feel.
- Category
- Cleansing, Emulsifying
- Type
- Surfactant
Laureth-4
Laureth-4 is an ethoxylated lauryl alcohol with about four EO units, belonging to the nonionic surfactant family. It boosts detergency and solubilization, stabilizes emulsions, and improves spreadability in cleansers and lotions.
Like this ingredient?
Our take
Is Laureth-4 a Good Ingredient?
Rated Good for dependable emulsification and stronger detergency that improves cleansing and solubilization. It can be more drying or irritating than milder ethoxylates at high levels or in leave-on products, which is why it doesn't rank higher.
What it does
Skin Benefits
Boosts washing performance and makes products feel smoother and less tacky on application.
Where you'll find it
Uses in Skincare & Cosmetics
Common in body washes, shampoos, and fluid creams where a stronger clean and reliably uniform blends are desired.
Before you use it
Safety
May cause mild to moderate skin or eye irritation at higher use levels; best suited to rinse-off applications. Generally safe as formulated, with manufacturers minimizing residual processing impurities.
Products with Laureth-4
