Ingredient review
Laureth-23
INCI: Laureth-23
Laureth-23 is a reliable emulsifier but can be drying or irritating for sensitive skin at higher concentrations.
In plain English
Laureth-23 is a synthetic ingredient that helps water and oil mix together in products like cleansers and lotions. It's part of a family of ethoxylated surfactants, which means it's made by adding ethylene oxide to lauryl alcohol. While effective at creating smooth textures and removing dirt, it can strip the skin's natural oils if used too often or in high amounts, potentially leading to dryness or irritation for some people.
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-23 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-23.
- 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-23 is a polyethylene glycol (PEG) ether of lauryl alcohol, produced by ethoxylation. It belongs to the laureth family of surfactants, with the number 23 indicating the average number of ethylene oxide units. It appears as a waxy solid or liquid and is used primarily as a non-ionic surfactant and emulsifier.
How it works
In a cosmetic product, Laureth-23 reduces the surface tension between oil and water, allowing them to form a stable mixture (emulsion). This helps cleansers lift away oil-based impurities and dirt from the skin. It also helps create a creamy, spreadable texture in lotions and creams.
Pros
Reliable emulsifier
Laureth-23 consistently helps oil and water mix, giving products a stable, creamy texture that feels pleasant on the skin.
Effective cleanser
It helps remove excess oil and makeup without being overly harsh for most skin types when used in rinse-off formulas.
Cons and cautions
Potential for irritation
At higher concentrations or in leave-on products, Laureth-23 can strip the skin barrier, leading to dryness, redness, or stinging, especially for sensitive skin.
Ethoxylation concerns
The manufacturing process can create trace amounts of 1,4-dioxane, a possible carcinogen, though reputable brands purify to minimize this risk.
Best for
- People with normal to oily skin looking for effective cleansers
- Those who tolerate mild surfactants and want stable emulsions
Use caution if
- Individuals with very dry, sensitive, or eczema-prone skin
- Anyone seeking completely ethoxylate-free or PEG-free products
Usage tips
Safety summary
Laureth-23 is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics at typical concentrations, but it can cause irritation in sensitive individuals. The main safety concern is potential contamination with 1,4-dioxane, which is regulated and minimized by responsible manufacturers. Overall, it is a moderate-risk ingredient suitable for most skin types when used appropriately.
Research notes
Research on Laureth-23 focuses on its surfactant properties and irritation potential. Studies show that ethoxylated alcohols like Laureth-23 can disrupt the skin barrier at high concentrations, but they are effective emulsifiers. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) panel has deemed it safe when formulated to avoid irritation and with low 1,4-dioxane levels.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- 1–5% in rinse-off products; lower in leave-on products
- Regulatory status
- Approved for use in cosmetics by the FDA and EU CosIng database, with concentration limits in some leave-on products. Manufacturers are encouraged to purify to reduce 1,4-dioxane levels.
- Common uses
- Cleansers, Shampoos, Body washes, Emulsions
- Environmental note
- Laureth-23 is synthetic and derived from petrochemicals. It may be slow to biodegrade in aquatic environments, though modern wastewater treatment can reduce its impact.
Good to know
- Laureth-23 is often used alongside Laureth-4 or other co-emulsifiers for better stability.
- The number 23 refers to the average number of ethylene oxide units, which affects its water solubility and mildness.
Common questions
What is Laureth-23 in beauty products?
Laureth-23 is a synthetic ingredient that helps water and oil mix together in products like cleansers and lotions. It's part of a family of ethoxylated surfactants, which means it's made by adding ethylene oxide to lauryl alcohol. While effective at creating smooth textures and removing dirt, it can strip the skin's natural oils if used too often or in high amounts, potentially leading to dryness or irritation for some people.
What does Laureth-23 do in a beauty product?
In a cosmetic product, Laureth-23 reduces the surface tension between oil and water, allowing them to form a stable mixture (emulsion). This helps cleansers lift away oil-based impurities and dirt from the skin. It also helps create a creamy, spreadable texture in lotions and creams.
Is Laureth-23 safe for most people?
Laureth-23 is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics at typical concentrations, but it can cause irritation in sensitive individuals. The main safety concern is potential contamination with 1,4-dioxane, which is regulated and minimized by responsible manufacturers. Overall, it is a moderate-risk ingredient suitable for most skin types when used appropriately.
Who should be careful with Laureth-23?
Individuals with very dry, sensitive, or eczema-prone skin Anyone seeking completely ethoxylate-free or PEG-free products
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.