Ingredient review

Disodium Laureth-5 Carboxyamphodiacetate

INCI: DISODIUM LAURETH-5 CARBOXYAMPHODIACETATE

A gentle, sulfate-free surfactant that cleans without stripping the skin barrier.

beautyskincaresurfactant

In plain English

This is a mild cleansing ingredient that helps create a gentle foam in products like face washes and shampoos. It is designed to clean dirt and oil without being harsh or drying, making it a popular choice for sensitive skin formulas.

Review score

Safety, usefulness, and evidence

4.0Good
4.0/ 5

Potentially useful with some tradeoffs

The evidence base is useful, but some claims depend heavily on the formula.

Risk flags are low for most users, though the finished product can still irritate.

Source
synthetic
Evidence
moderate
Irritation
low
Clogging risk
low
How reviews are scored

Quick decision guide

Useful, but context matters

Disodium Laureth-5 Carboxyamphodiacetate is generally a lower-concern ingredient when the full formula suits your skin.

Plain-English read

Treat this as a practical screening step before you compare products that contain this ingredient.

  1. Step 1Start with the score, then check the irritation and clogging risk before judging Disodium Laureth-5 Carboxyamphodiacetate.
  2. Step 2Use the "Best for" and "Use caution if" sections to match the ingredient to your skin, not just to a marketing claim.
  3. Step 3If a product stings, breaks you out, or worsens irritation, judge the finished formula and stop using it even if the ingredient scores well.

Score terms in plain English

Irritation risk

low

Less likely to sting, burn, or bother most users, though sensitive skin can still react.

Clogging risk

low

Less likely to feel heavy or contribute to clogged pores for most skin types.

Evidence level

moderate

There is useful support, but formula details and claim strength still matter.

What it is

A synthetic, amphoteric surfactant derived from lauric acid (from coconut or palm oil) and ethylene oxide. It belongs to the carboxyamphodiacetate family, known for being exceptionally mild.

How it works

It reduces the surface tension between water and oil, allowing impurities to be rinsed away. Because it is amphoteric (has both positive and negative charges), it is less irritating than many traditional anionic surfactants like SLS.

Pros

Extremely mild

Rated very low on the irritation scale, making it suitable for daily use on sensitive or eczema-prone skin.

Sulfate-free alternative

Provides good foam without sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), reducing the risk of dryness and irritation.

Cons and cautions

Synthetic origin

Made through chemical processing, which may not align with preferences for naturally derived ingredients.

Potential for mild drying

In high concentrations or in formulas without enough conditioning agents, it can still leave skin feeling slightly tight.

Best for

  • People with sensitive or reactive skin
  • Those looking for a sulfate-free cleanser

Use caution if

  • Anyone seeking a completely natural ingredient list

Usage tips

Look for it in the first half of the ingredient list for effective cleansing.
Pair with a moisturizing routine if you have very dry skin.

Safety summary

Disodium Laureth-5 Carboxyamphodiacetate is considered safe for use in rinse-off cosmetics at typical concentrations. It has a low irritation and sensitization profile, supported by industry safety assessments.

Research notes

Limited direct clinical studies, but the broader class of carboxyamphodiacetate surfactants is well-documented as mild. Safety is supported by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) panel and EU CosIng.

Common label clues

Typical concentration
1–10% in rinse-off products
Regulatory status
Approved for use in cosmetics globally, including by the EU CosIng database and the US FDA (as part of generally recognized safe surfactant categories).
Common uses
Facial cleansers, Body washes, Shampoos, Baby care products
Environmental note
Synthetic but biodegradable; sourcing of lauric acid may involve palm oil, so look for RSPO-certified options if concerned.

Good to know

  • Often used in combination with other mild surfactants to create a balanced cleansing system.
  • It is biodegradable and generally considered safe for aquatic life at typical use levels.

Common questions

What is Disodium Laureth-5 Carboxyamphodiacetate in beauty products?

This is a mild cleansing ingredient that helps create a gentle foam in products like face washes and shampoos. It is designed to clean dirt and oil without being harsh or drying, making it a popular choice for sensitive skin formulas.

What does Disodium Laureth-5 Carboxyamphodiacetate do in a beauty product?

It reduces the surface tension between water and oil, allowing impurities to be rinsed away. Because it is amphoteric (has both positive and negative charges), it is less irritating than many traditional anionic surfactants like SLS.

Is Disodium Laureth-5 Carboxyamphodiacetate safe for most people?

Disodium Laureth-5 Carboxyamphodiacetate is considered safe for use in rinse-off cosmetics at typical concentrations. It has a low irritation and sensitization profile, supported by industry safety assessments.

Who should be careful with Disodium Laureth-5 Carboxyamphodiacetate?

Anyone seeking a completely natural ingredient list

Research sources

Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) – Safety Assessment of Amphoteric SurfactantsOpenEU CosIng Database – Disodium Laureth-5 CarboxyamphodiacetateOpenPubMed – Mild Surfactants in DermatologyOpen

Ingredient reviews are educational and are not medical advice. Patch test new products and ask a licensed clinician about persistent irritation, allergies, pregnancy-specific questions, or diagnosed skin conditions.