Ingredient review
Laureth-5
INCI: LAURETH-5
Laureth-5 is a mild cleansing and emulsifying agent, but may be slightly drying or irritating for sensitive skin at higher concentrations.
In plain English
Laureth-5 is a synthetic ingredient that helps cleansers foam and helps oils mix with water so they rinse away easily. It's a gentler cousin of stronger sulfates like SLS, but it can still strip natural oils if used too often or in high amounts. In small amounts in rinse-off products, it's generally fine for most skin types.
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 moderate.
- Source
- synthetic
- Evidence
- moderate
- Irritation
- moderate
- Clogging risk
- moderate
Quick decision guide
Useful, but context matters
Laureth-5 can be useful, but watch for some irritation potential and possible clogging concerns.
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-5.
- 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
moderateMay be fine for many users but deserves caution if you are breakout-prone.
Evidence level
moderateThere is useful support, but formula details and claim strength still matter.
What it is
Laureth-5 is a polyethylene glycol (PEG) ether of lauryl alcohol, a fatty alcohol derived from coconut or palm oil. It belongs to the laureth family of surfactants, where the number '5' indicates the average number of ethylene oxide units in the molecule.
How it works
In a cosmetic product, Laureth-5 reduces the surface tension between oil and water, allowing them to mix into a stable emulsion. It also helps create foam and lift dirt and oil from the skin or hair, making it easier to rinse away.
Pros
Mild cleansing
Laureth-5 is less stripping than harsher sulfates, making it a better choice for daily use on normal skin.
Good emulsifier
It helps create smooth, stable lotions and creams that don't separate, improving product texture and shelf life.
Cons and cautions
Potential for dryness
Even though it's milder than SLS, regular use can still remove too much natural oil, leading to tightness or flakiness.
PEG-related concerns
As a PEG compound, there is a small risk of contamination with 1,4-dioxane during manufacturing, though reputable brands use purified grades.
Best for
- People with normal to oily skin looking for a mild cleanser
- Those who want a sulfate-free alternative in shampoos or body washes
Use caution if
- Individuals with very dry, sensitive, or eczema-prone skin
- Anyone who prefers to avoid PEG-based ingredients
Usage tips
Safety summary
Laureth-5 is considered safe for use in cosmetics at typical concentrations, especially in rinse-off products. It has a moderate irritation potential and may cause dryness with overuse. Purified grades minimize the risk of 1,4-dioxane contamination.
Research notes
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) panel has evaluated laureth compounds and concluded they are safe in rinse-off products. Studies show that laureth-5 is less irritating than SLS but can still cause mild irritation at high concentrations or on sensitive skin.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- Usually 1-5% in rinse-off products; lower in leave-on formulas
- Regulatory status
- Approved for use in cosmetics in the US (FDA), EU, and many other regions. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) panel has reviewed laureth compounds and found them safe as used in rinse-off products at typical concentrations.
- Common uses
- Cleansers, Shampoos, Conditioners, Emulsions
- Environmental note
- Laureth-5 is synthetic and derived from petrochemicals or plant-based fatty alcohols. It is not readily biodegradable in all conditions, though some variants have improved environmental profiles.
Good to know
- The number '5' in Laureth-5 refers to the average number of ethylene oxide units, which affects its water solubility and mildness.
- Laureth-5 is often used in combination with other surfactants to balance cleansing power and gentleness.
Common questions
What is Laureth-5 in beauty products?
Laureth-5 is a synthetic ingredient that helps cleansers foam and helps oils mix with water so they rinse away easily. It's a gentler cousin of stronger sulfates like SLS, but it can still strip natural oils if used too often or in high amounts. In small amounts in rinse-off products, it's generally fine for most skin types.
What does Laureth-5 do in a beauty product?
In a cosmetic product, Laureth-5 reduces the surface tension between oil and water, allowing them to mix into a stable emulsion. It also helps create foam and lift dirt and oil from the skin or hair, making it easier to rinse away.
Is Laureth-5 safe for most people?
Laureth-5 is considered safe for use in cosmetics at typical concentrations, especially in rinse-off products. It has a moderate irritation potential and may cause dryness with overuse. Purified grades minimize the risk of 1,4-dioxane contamination.
Who should be careful with Laureth-5?
Individuals with very dry, sensitive, or eczema-prone skin Anyone who prefers to avoid PEG-based ingredients
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.