Ingredient review
Laureth-6 Citrate
INCI: Laureth-6 Citrate
Laureth-6 Citrate is a gentle, citrate-modified surfactant that helps cleanse and emulsify without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier.
In plain English
Laureth-6 Citrate is a mild cleansing ingredient made by combining lauryl alcohol (from coconut or palm oil) with ethylene oxide and citric acid. It helps water and oil mix together in products like cleansers and shampoos, so they can effectively remove dirt and excess oil without being harsh. Because it's modified with citric acid, it tends to be gentler on the skin than some other surfactants.
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
Laureth-6 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.
- Step 1Start with the score, then check the irritation and clogging risk before judging Laureth-6 Citrate.
- 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
Laureth-6 Citrate is a semi-synthetic surfactant and emulsifier. It belongs to the laureth family, which are ethoxylated alcohols, but it has a citrate group attached to make it milder and more skin-friendly.
How it works
In a cosmetic product, Laureth-6 Citrate works by reducing the surface tension between water and oil, allowing them to mix into a stable emulsion. It also helps lift dirt, oil, and makeup from the skin so they can be rinsed away. The citrate modification lowers its potential for irritation compared to unmodified laureth surfactants.
Pros
Mild on skin
The citrate modification makes Laureth-6 Citrate less irritating than many standard surfactants, so it's suitable for daily use and sensitive skin.
Effective emulsifier
It helps create stable, creamy formulas that rinse cleanly without leaving a greasy residue.
Cons and cautions
Potential trace impurities
As an ethoxylated ingredient, it may contain trace amounts of 1,4-dioxane if not properly purified, though reputable manufacturers keep levels well within safety limits.
Sustainability concerns
It is often derived from palm oil, which can be linked to deforestation unless certified sustainable sources are used.
Best for
- People with normal to combination skin looking for a mild cleanser
- Those who prefer sulfate-free or gentler cleansing options
Use caution if
- Individuals with known sensitivity to ethoxylated ingredients (rare)
Usage tips
Safety summary
Laureth-6 Citrate is considered safe for use in cosmetics at typical concentrations. The main safety consideration is the potential for trace 1,4-dioxane from ethoxylation, but this is tightly controlled by quality manufacturing. It has low irritation and comedogenic potential.
Research notes
Safety assessments of ethoxylated alcohols like laureths have been conducted by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) panel, which found them safe for use in cosmetics when formulated to minimize 1,4-dioxane. Specific studies on Laureth-6 Citrate are limited, but its citrate modification is known to reduce irritation.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- Typically 1–10% in rinse-off products, lower in leave-on formulations
- Regulatory status
- Approved for use in cosmetics in the EU, US, and many other regions. Manufacturers are expected to keep 1,4-dioxane levels below 10 ppm per industry guidelines.
- Common uses
- Cleansers, Shampoos, Body washes, Facial washes
- Environmental note
- Laureth-6 Citrate is biodegradable, but its production from palm oil may contribute to deforestation unless certified sustainable palm oil is used.
Good to know
- Laureth-6 Citrate is considered biodegradable and is often used in 'gentle' or 'sulfate-free' formulations.
- The number '6' refers to the average number of ethylene oxide units, which influences its water solubility and mildness.
Common questions
What is Laureth-6 Citrate in beauty products?
Laureth-6 Citrate is a mild cleansing ingredient made by combining lauryl alcohol (from coconut or palm oil) with ethylene oxide and citric acid. It helps water and oil mix together in products like cleansers and shampoos, so they can effectively remove dirt and excess oil without being harsh. Because it's modified with citric acid, it tends to be gentler on the skin than some other surfactants.
What does Laureth-6 Citrate do in a beauty product?
In a cosmetic product, Laureth-6 Citrate works by reducing the surface tension between water and oil, allowing them to mix into a stable emulsion. It also helps lift dirt, oil, and makeup from the skin so they can be rinsed away. The citrate modification lowers its potential for irritation compared to unmodified laureth surfactants.
Is Laureth-6 Citrate safe for most people?
Laureth-6 Citrate is considered safe for use in cosmetics at typical concentrations. The main safety consideration is the potential for trace 1,4-dioxane from ethoxylation, but this is tightly controlled by quality manufacturing. It has low irritation and comedogenic potential.
Who should be careful with Laureth-6 Citrate?
Individuals with known sensitivity to ethoxylated ingredients (rare)
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.