Ingredient review
Glycereth-6 Laurate
INCI: GLYCERETH-6 LAURATE
A gentle, water-loving emollient that softens skin and helps cleansers feel less stripping, with a low risk of irritation or clogged pores.
In plain English
Glycereth-6 Laurate is a mild ingredient made by combining glycerin (a natural moisturizer) with lauric acid (a fatty acid from coconut or palm oil). It acts as both an emollient, which means it softens and smooths the skin, and a surfactant, which helps water mix with oil and dirt so they can be rinsed away. Because it is water-soluble, it doesn't leave a greasy residue, making it popular in gentle cleansers and moisturizers for normal to dry skin.
Review score
Safety, usefulness, and evidence
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
Quick decision guide
Useful, but context matters
Glycereth-6 Laurate 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.
- Step 1Start with the score, then check the irritation and clogging risk before judging Glycereth-6 Laurate.
- Step 2Use the "Best for" and "Use caution if" sections to match the ingredient to your skin, not just to a marketing claim.
- 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
lowLess likely to sting, burn, or bother most users, though sensitive skin can still react.
Clogging risk
lowLess likely to feel heavy or contribute to clogged pores for most skin types.
Evidence level
moderateThere is useful support, but formula details and claim strength still matter.
What it is
Glycereth-6 Laurate is a semi-synthetic compound created by reacting glycerin with lauric acid and adding ethylene oxide to make it water-soluble. It belongs to a class of ingredients called fatty acid esters, which are known for their mildness and ability to condition the skin without being harsh.
How it works
In a cosmetic product, Glycereth-6 Laurate works in two main ways. First, as an emollient, it fills in the tiny gaps between skin cells, making the skin feel softer and smoother. Second, as a surfactant, it reduces the surface tension between water and oil, helping to lift dirt, makeup, and excess oil from the skin so they can be washed away easily. Its water-soluble nature means it rinses off cleanly without leaving a heavy film.
Pros
Gentle on skin
Glycereth-6 Laurate is known for its mildness, making it suitable for daily use even on sensitive skin types without causing irritation or dryness.
Non-greasy feel
Unlike heavier oils, this ingredient is water-soluble and rinses cleanly, leaving skin soft but not sticky or greasy.
Cons and cautions
Sustainability concerns
Lauric acid is often sourced from palm oil, which can be linked to deforestation and habitat loss unless certified sustainable.
Potential for mild stinging
In high concentrations or on broken skin, it may cause a slight stinging sensation, though this is uncommon.
Best for
- People with normal to dry skin looking for a gentle cleanser
- Those who want a non-greasy emollient in moisturizers or lotions
Use caution if
- Individuals with known allergies to coconut or palm-derived ingredients (rare)
- Those with severely compromised skin barriers may want to patch-test first
Usage tips
Safety summary
Glycereth-6 Laurate is considered safe for use in cosmetics at typical concentrations. It has a low irritation and comedogenic risk, making it suitable for most skin types. Rare allergic reactions are possible, especially in individuals with sensitivities to coconut or palm derivatives.
Research notes
While not extensively studied on its own, Glycereth-6 Laurate belongs to a well-characterized class of fatty acid esters and ethoxylated glycerides that are widely regarded as safe and mild. Safety assessments by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) have found similar ingredients to be safe for cosmetic use.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- Typically 0.5% to 5% in rinse-off products; lower in leave-on formulations
- Regulatory status
- Approved for use in cosmetics in the EU, US, and other major markets. No specific restrictions, but manufacturers must follow general safety guidelines for cosmetic ingredients.
- Common uses
- Cleansers, Shampoos, Body washes, Moisturizers
- Environmental note
- The lauric acid component may be derived from palm oil. Look for products with RSPO-certified sustainable palm oil or coconut-derived alternatives to reduce environmental impact.
Good to know
- Glycereth-6 Laurate is often used in 'gentle' or 'hydrating' cleansers marketed for dry or sensitive skin.
- It is considered a low-foaming surfactant, so products containing it may produce less lather than traditional cleansers.
Common questions
What is Glycereth-6 Laurate in beauty products?
Glycereth-6 Laurate is a mild ingredient made by combining glycerin (a natural moisturizer) with lauric acid (a fatty acid from coconut or palm oil). It acts as both an emollient, which means it softens and smooths the skin, and a surfactant, which helps water mix with oil and dirt so they can be rinsed away. Because it is water-soluble, it doesn't leave a greasy residue, making it popular in gentle cleansers and moisturizers for normal to dry skin.
What does Glycereth-6 Laurate do in a beauty product?
In a cosmetic product, Glycereth-6 Laurate works in two main ways. First, as an emollient, it fills in the tiny gaps between skin cells, making the skin feel softer and smoother. Second, as a surfactant, it reduces the surface tension between water and oil, helping to lift dirt, makeup, and excess oil from the skin so they can be washed away easily. Its water-soluble nature means it rinses off cleanly without leaving a heavy film.
Is Glycereth-6 Laurate safe for most people?
Glycereth-6 Laurate is considered safe for use in cosmetics at typical concentrations. It has a low irritation and comedogenic risk, making it suitable for most skin types. Rare allergic reactions are possible, especially in individuals with sensitivities to coconut or palm derivatives.
Who should be careful with Glycereth-6 Laurate?
Individuals with known allergies to coconut or palm-derived ingredients (rare) Those with severely compromised skin barriers may want to patch-test first
Research sources
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.