Ingredient review
Laureth-20
INCI: Laureth-20
Laureth-20 is a common cleansing and emulsifying ingredient that can be drying or irritating for sensitive skin, especially in high concentrations.
In plain English
Laureth-20 is a synthetic ingredient that helps cleansers foam and removes oil and dirt from your skin. It works by allowing water and oil to mix, so it's often used in creamy or foaming products. While effective at cleaning, it can strip the skin's natural oils and may cause irritation for some people, especially those with dry or sensitive 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.
Main practical flags: irritation is moderate; clogging risk is low.
- Source
- synthetic
- Evidence
- moderate
- Irritation
- moderate
- Clogging risk
- low
Quick decision guide
Useful, but context matters
Laureth-20 can be useful, but watch for some irritation potential.
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 Laureth-20.
- 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
moderateCan bother some users, especially with frequent use, damaged skin, or strong companion ingredients.
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
Laureth-20 is a polyethylene glycol ether of lauryl alcohol, produced by reacting lauryl alcohol with 20 units of ethylene oxide. It belongs to the laureth family of surfactants and is widely used in personal care products for its ability to reduce surface tension and create stable emulsions.
How it works
In a cosmetic product, Laureth-20 acts as a surfactant and emulsifier. As a surfactant, it lowers the surface tension between oil and water, helping to lift dirt, sebum, and makeup from the skin so they can be rinsed away. As an emulsifier, it helps blend oil and water phases into a stable, uniform cream or lotion, preventing separation.
Pros
Strong cleanser
Laureth-20 effectively removes excess oil, dirt, and makeup, making it a reliable choice for deep cleansing in rinse-off products.
Texture enhancer
It helps create smooth, stable emulsions, improving the feel and consistency of creams and lotions.
Cons and cautions
Potential irritant
For sensitive or dry skin, Laureth-20 can cause stinging, redness, or excessive dryness, especially in leave-on products or high concentrations.
Stripping effect
It may strip the skin's natural moisture barrier, leading to tightness or irritation after cleansing.
Best for
- People with normal to oily skin looking for effective cleansing
- Those using rinse-off products like shampoos or body washes
Use caution if
- Individuals with very dry, sensitive, or compromised skin barriers
Usage tips
Safety summary
Laureth-20 is generally safe for use in rinse-off cosmetics at typical concentrations. However, it can be irritating for sensitive skin or in leave-on products. Regulatory panels have deemed it safe when formulated properly.
Research notes
Studies on laureth compounds indicate low acute toxicity and skin irritation at low concentrations. The CIR panel concluded that laureth-2 through laureth-23 are safe in cosmetics when formulated to be non-irritating. Most evidence comes from industry safety assessments rather than independent clinical trials.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- 1–5% in rinse-off products; lower in leave-on products
- Regulatory status
- Approved for use in cosmetics in the EU, US, and other major markets. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) panel has reviewed laureth compounds and found them safe in rinse-off products at typical concentrations.
- Common uses
- Cleansers, Shampoos, Body washes, Emulsions
- Environmental note
- Laureth-20 is synthetic and derived from petrochemicals. It is biodegradable under standard conditions, but its production has a higher environmental footprint compared to plant-based alternatives.
Good to know
- Laureth-20 is similar to Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) but is less foaming and often used as a co-surfactant.
- It is considered safe in rinse-off products at typical concentrations by major regulatory bodies.
Common questions
What is Laureth-20 in beauty products?
Laureth-20 is a synthetic ingredient that helps cleansers foam and removes oil and dirt from your skin. It works by allowing water and oil to mix, so it's often used in creamy or foaming products. While effective at cleaning, it can strip the skin's natural oils and may cause irritation for some people, especially those with dry or sensitive skin.
What does Laureth-20 do in a beauty product?
In a cosmetic product, Laureth-20 acts as a surfactant and emulsifier. As a surfactant, it lowers the surface tension between oil and water, helping to lift dirt, sebum, and makeup from the skin so they can be rinsed away. As an emulsifier, it helps blend oil and water phases into a stable, uniform cream or lotion, preventing separation.
Is Laureth-20 safe for most people?
Laureth-20 is generally safe for use in rinse-off cosmetics at typical concentrations. However, it can be irritating for sensitive skin or in leave-on products. Regulatory panels have deemed it safe when formulated properly.
Who should be careful with Laureth-20?
Individuals with very dry, sensitive, or compromised skin barriers
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.