Ingredient review
PEG-11 Lauramide
INCI: PEG-11 Lauramide
A synthetic surfactant that helps cleanse and emulsify, but may be drying or irritating for sensitive skin.
In plain English
PEG-11 Lauramide is a man-made ingredient that helps cleansers foam and mix oil with water. It's a type of surfactant, which means it reduces surface tension so dirt and oil can be rinsed away. The 'PEG-11' part means it has been processed with ethylene oxide to make it milder and more water-soluble, but it can still be stripping for 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
PEG-11 Lauramide 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 PEG-11 Lauramide.
- 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
PEG-11 Lauramide is a polyethylene glycol derivative of lauramide (a fatty acid from coconut or palm oil). It belongs to a class of non-ionic surfactants that are often used as foam boosters and emulsifiers in rinse-off products.
How it works
In a cosmetic product, PEG-11 Lauramide sits at the interface between oil and water, helping them mix into a stable emulsion. During cleansing, it surrounds dirt and oil particles so they can be lifted away from the skin and rinsed off with water. It also helps create a rich, stable lather in foaming cleansers.
Pros
Effective foaming agent
Creates a rich, stable lather that many people enjoy in shampoos and face washes, making the cleansing experience feel satisfying.
Good emulsifier
Helps oil and water blend smoothly, improving the texture and stability of creams and lotions without needing many other emulsifiers.
Cons and cautions
Can be drying
As a surfactant, it can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to tightness, dryness, or irritation, especially for those with dry or sensitive skin.
Synthetic processing concerns
PEG compounds can be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane (a potential carcinogen) during manufacturing, though reputable brands purify their ingredients to safe levels.
Best for
- People with normal to oily skin looking for a foaming cleanser
- Those who prefer synthetic, stable surfactants over natural alternatives
Use caution if
- People with dry, dehydrated, or sensitive skin
- Those who avoid PEG compounds or ethylene oxide derivatives
Usage tips
Safety summary
PEG-11 Lauramide is considered safe for use in rinse-off cosmetics at typical concentrations. However, it can be drying or irritating for sensitive skin, and there is a minor concern about potential 1,4-dioxane contamination, which is regulated in many regions. Overall, it is a well-studied surfactant with a moderate safety profile.
Research notes
Research on PEG-11 Lauramide is limited, but it is similar to other PEG-based surfactants. Studies show that PEG compounds can be mild irritants at high concentrations, and the risk of 1,4-dioxane contamination is well-documented. Regulatory bodies like the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) have evaluated related PEGs and found them safe when properly purified.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- 0.5% to 5%
- Regulatory status
- Approved for use in cosmetics in the US (FDA) and EU (CosIng) at concentrations typically up to 5%. Manufacturers are expected to keep 1,4-dioxane levels low through purification.
- Common uses
- Cleansers, Shampoos, Body washes, Emulsions
- Environmental note
- PEG-11 Lauramide is synthetic and may not be readily biodegradable. Its production relies on petrochemicals or palm oil derivatives, which can have environmental impacts depending on sourcing.
Good to know
- PEG-11 Lauramide is often found in sulfate-free cleansers as a secondary surfactant to boost foam.
- The number '11' refers to the average number of ethylene oxide units, which affects water solubility and mildness.
Common questions
What is PEG-11 Lauramide in beauty products?
PEG-11 Lauramide is a man-made ingredient that helps cleansers foam and mix oil with water. It's a type of surfactant, which means it reduces surface tension so dirt and oil can be rinsed away. The 'PEG-11' part means it has been processed with ethylene oxide to make it milder and more water-soluble, but it can still be stripping for dry or sensitive skin.
What does PEG-11 Lauramide do in a beauty product?
In a cosmetic product, PEG-11 Lauramide sits at the interface between oil and water, helping them mix into a stable emulsion. During cleansing, it surrounds dirt and oil particles so they can be lifted away from the skin and rinsed off with water. It also helps create a rich, stable lather in foaming cleansers.
Is PEG-11 Lauramide safe for most people?
PEG-11 Lauramide is considered safe for use in rinse-off cosmetics at typical concentrations. However, it can be drying or irritating for sensitive skin, and there is a minor concern about potential 1,4-dioxane contamination, which is regulated in many regions. Overall, it is a well-studied surfactant with a moderate safety profile.
Who should be careful with PEG-11 Lauramide?
People with dry, dehydrated, or sensitive skin Those who avoid PEG compounds or ethylene oxide derivatives
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.