Ingredient review

Disodium Laureth-7 Citrate

INCI: DISODIUM LAURETH-7 CITRATE

A gentle, citrate-based surfactant that cleans without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier.

beautyskincarecleanser

In plain English

Disodium Laureth-7 Citrate is a mild cleansing ingredient often used in soaps and shampoos. It helps remove dirt and oil without making your skin feel tight or dry. Think of it as a gentle cleaner that respects your skin's natural balance.

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

Quick decision guide

Useful, but context matters

Disodium Laureth-7 Citrate 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-7 Citrate.
  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 semi-synthetic surfactant made by combining lauryl alcohol (from coconut or palm oil) with ethylene oxide and citric acid. It belongs to the family of citrate esters, known for their mildness.

How it works

It works by reducing the surface tension between water and oil, allowing dirt and excess sebum to be rinsed away. Its citrate group helps maintain a gentle pH, making it less irritating than traditional sulfates.

Pros

Very gentle on skin

Unlike harsh sulfates, this surfactant cleans effectively without causing tightness or irritation, making it ideal for daily use on sensitive skin.

pH-friendly

Its citrate backbone helps keep the product's pH close to skin's natural level, reducing the risk of disrupting the acid mantle.

Cons and cautions

Potential trace impurities

As an ethoxylated ingredient, it may contain trace amounts of 1,4-dioxane if not properly purified during manufacturing. Reputable brands ensure purification.

Sustainability concerns

The lauryl alcohol source is often palm oil, which can be linked to deforestation unless certified sustainable.

Best for

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

Use caution if

  • Individuals with known allergies to ethoxylated ingredients (rare)

Usage tips

Use in rinse-off products like cleansers and shampoos for best results.
Pair with moisturizing ingredients like glycerin or aloe to enhance skin comfort.
Check for 'sulfate-free' labels if you prefer to avoid sodium lauryl sulfate.

Safety summary

Disodium Laureth-7 Citrate is considered safe for use in cosmetics at typical concentrations. The main concern is trace 1,4-dioxane from ethoxylation, but reputable manufacturers purify to safe levels. It is non-irritating and non-comedogenic for most people.

Research notes

Studies on citrate-based surfactants show they are significantly milder than traditional sulfates and less damaging to skin barrier function. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) panel has reviewed similar ethoxylated surfactants and found them safe when formulated properly.

Common label clues

Typical concentration
1–10% in rinse-off products; lower in leave-on formulas
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
Cleansers, Shampoos, Body washes, Facial washes
Environmental note
Biodegradable, but sourcing of palm-derived lauryl alcohol may have environmental impact. Look for RSPO-certified palm oil in the ingredient supply chain.

Good to know

  • Disodium Laureth-7 Citrate is considered biodegradable and is often used in eco-friendly formulations.
  • It is not a sulfate, so it won't produce the same lather as SLS, but it still cleans effectively.

Common questions

What is Disodium Laureth-7 Citrate in beauty products?

Disodium Laureth-7 Citrate is a mild cleansing ingredient often used in soaps and shampoos. It helps remove dirt and oil without making your skin feel tight or dry. Think of it as a gentle cleaner that respects your skin's natural balance.

What does Disodium Laureth-7 Citrate do in a beauty product?

It works by reducing the surface tension between water and oil, allowing dirt and excess sebum to be rinsed away. Its citrate group helps maintain a gentle pH, making it less irritating than traditional sulfates.

Is Disodium Laureth-7 Citrate safe for most people?

Disodium Laureth-7 Citrate is considered safe for use in cosmetics at typical concentrations. The main concern is trace 1,4-dioxane from ethoxylation, but reputable manufacturers purify to safe levels. It is non-irritating and non-comedogenic for most people.

Who should be careful with Disodium Laureth-7 Citrate?

Individuals with known allergies to ethoxylated ingredients (rare)

Research sources

Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) – Safety of Ethoxylated SurfactantsOpenEU CosIng Database – Disodium Laureth-7 CitrateOpenPubMed – Mild Surfactants and Skin BarrierOpen

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.