Ingredient review
Laureth-7 Citrate
INCI: Laureth-7 Citrate
A gentle surfactant that helps cleanse without stripping the skin, making it a good choice for sensitive or dry skin types.
In plain English
Laureth-7 Citrate is a mild cleansing ingredient made from coconut-derived lauric acid and citric acid. It helps water and oil mix together so that dirt and makeup can be rinsed away easily. Unlike harsher detergents, it is less likely to leave your skin feeling tight or dry, which is why it's often used in gentle cleansers and shampoos.
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-7 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-7 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-7 Citrate is a semi-synthetic surfactant and emulsifier. It is created by reacting lauric acid (from coconut or palm oil) with ethylene oxide to form laureth-7, then esterifying it with citric acid. This gives it both cleansing and mild conditioning properties.
How it works
In a cosmetic product, Laureth-7 Citrate reduces the surface tension between water and oil, allowing them to blend. This helps lift dirt, sebum, and makeup from the skin so they can be rinsed away. Its citrate group also gives it a slightly acidic pH, which can help maintain the skin's natural acid mantle.
Pros
Mild on skin
Laureth-7 Citrate is much gentler than traditional sulfates like SLS, making it suitable for daily use without causing dryness or irritation.
pH-friendly
Its citrate component helps keep the product's pH close to the skin's natural level, which supports a healthy skin barrier.
Cons and cautions
Ethoxylation concerns
As an ethoxylated ingredient, it may contain trace amounts of 1,4-dioxane (a potential contaminant), though reputable manufacturers purify it to safe levels.
Not fully natural
Despite being derived from natural sources, the ethoxylation process makes it semi-synthetic, which may not appeal to those seeking 100% natural products.
Best for
- People with dry or sensitive skin looking for a gentle cleanser
- Anyone who prefers sulfate-free or mild cleansing products
Use caution if
- Those with known allergies to ethoxylated ingredients or coconut-derived compounds
Usage tips
Safety summary
Laureth-7 Citrate is considered safe for use in cosmetics at typical concentrations. It has low irritation and comedogenic potential. As with all ethoxylated ingredients, there is a theoretical concern about 1,4-dioxane contamination, but modern purification methods keep levels well below safety limits.
Research notes
Research on Laureth-7 Citrate specifically is limited, but studies on similar ethoxylated surfactants indicate they are safe and well-tolerated. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review has reviewed related laureth compounds and found them safe for cosmetic use.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- Typically 1–10% in rinse-off products
- Regulatory status
- Approved for use in cosmetics in the EU, US, and many other regions. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) panel has reviewed similar ethoxylated ingredients and found them safe as used.
- Common uses
- Cleansers, Shampoos, Body washes, Facial washes
- Environmental note
- Derived from renewable plant sources (coconut/palm oil), but the ethoxylation process requires energy and chemical processing. Look for sustainably sourced palm oil if that is a concern.
Good to know
- Laureth-7 Citrate is often listed as part of a surfactant blend, so check the full ingredient list for other cleansing agents.
- It is considered biodegradable and generally safe for aquatic life at typical use levels.
Common questions
What is Laureth-7 Citrate in beauty products?
Laureth-7 Citrate is a mild cleansing ingredient made from coconut-derived lauric acid and citric acid. It helps water and oil mix together so that dirt and makeup can be rinsed away easily. Unlike harsher detergents, it is less likely to leave your skin feeling tight or dry, which is why it's often used in gentle cleansers and shampoos.
What does Laureth-7 Citrate do in a beauty product?
In a cosmetic product, Laureth-7 Citrate reduces the surface tension between water and oil, allowing them to blend. This helps lift dirt, sebum, and makeup from the skin so they can be rinsed away. Its citrate group also gives it a slightly acidic pH, which can help maintain the skin's natural acid mantle.
Is Laureth-7 Citrate safe for most people?
Laureth-7 Citrate is considered safe for use in cosmetics at typical concentrations. It has low irritation and comedogenic potential. As with all ethoxylated ingredients, there is a theoretical concern about 1,4-dioxane contamination, but modern purification methods keep levels well below safety limits.
Who should be careful with Laureth-7 Citrate?
Those with known allergies to ethoxylated ingredients or coconut-derived compounds
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.