Ingredient review

TEA-Laneth-5 Sulfate

INCI: TEA-LANETH-5 SULFATE

A gentle surfactant that cleans without stripping, but may be slightly pore-clogging for acne-prone skin.

beautyskincarecleansing

In plain English

TEA-Laneth-5 Sulfate is a mild cleansing agent made from lanolin (wool wax) alcohols. It helps water and oil mix so that dirt and makeup rinse away easily. Because it's less harsh than many common sulfates, it's often used in gentler cleansers. However, since it's derived from lanolin, it can be comedogenic (pore-clogging) for some people, especially those with oily or acne-prone skin.

Review score

Safety, usefulness, and evidence

3.5Good
3.5/ 5

Potentially useful with some tradeoffs

The evidence base is useful, but some claims depend heavily on the formula.

Main practical flags: irritation is low; clogging risk is moderate.

Source
semi synthetic
Evidence
moderate
Irritation
low
Clogging risk
moderate
How reviews are scored

Quick decision guide

Useful, but context matters

TEA-Laneth-5 Sulfate can be useful, but watch for possible clogging concerns.

Plain-English read

Treat this as a practical screening step before you compare products that contain this ingredient.

  1. Step 1Start with the score, then check the irritation and clogging risk before judging TEA-Laneth-5 Sulfate.
  2. Step 2Use the "Best for" and "Use caution if" sections to match the ingredient to your skin, not just to a marketing claim.
  3. 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

low

Less likely to sting, burn, or bother most users, though sensitive skin can still react.

Clogging risk

moderate

May be fine for many users but deserves caution if you are breakout-prone.

Evidence level

moderate

There is useful support, but formula details and claim strength still matter.

What it is

A semi-synthetic surfactant created by reacting lanolin alcohols with ethylene oxide and then sulfating them, neutralized with triethanolamine (TEA). It combines the mildness of lanolin derivatives with the cleansing power of sulfates.

How it works

It reduces the surface tension between water and oil, allowing oils and dirt to be lifted from the skin and rinsed away. Its lanolin base also provides some emollient properties, so it cleans without completely stripping the skin's natural oils.

Pros

Gentle on skin

Less stripping than many common sulfates, making it suitable for dry or sensitive skin.

Emollient properties

The lanolin base helps leave skin feeling softer and less tight after washing.

Cons and cautions

Potential pore-clogging

Lanolin derivatives can be comedogenic, so it may cause breakouts in acne-prone individuals.

Allergen risk

Lanolin is a known allergen for some people, which could cause contact dermatitis.

Best for

  • People with dry or normal skin seeking a gentle cleanser
  • Those who prefer mild surfactants over harsh sulfates like SLS

Use caution if

  • Individuals with known lanolin allergy
  • Acne-prone or oily skin types due to potential pore-clogging

Usage tips

Use in rinse-off products like cleansers or shampoos rather than leave-on formulas to minimize pore-clogging risk.
Patch test if you have sensitive skin or a history of lanolin allergy.

Safety summary

Generally safe for most skin types when used in rinse-off products. The main concerns are potential comedogenicity and lanolin allergy. Avoid if you have known sensitivities.

Research notes

Limited direct studies on TEA-Laneth-5 Sulfate, but lanolin derivatives are well-documented as mild cleansers with low irritation potential. Comedogenicity is based on lanolin's known properties.

Common label clues

Typical concentration
1–10% in rinse-off products; lower in leave-on formulas
Regulatory status
Approved for use in cosmetics in the US (FDA) and EU (CosIng) with no specific restrictions at typical concentrations.
Common uses
Cleansers, Shampoos, Body washes, Facial washes
Environmental note
As a semi-synthetic surfactant, its biodegradability is moderate; lanolin is a byproduct of wool production, which may raise ethical concerns for vegans.

Good to know

  • TEA-Laneth-5 Sulfate is considered a milder alternative to sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS).
  • It is often found in 'gentle' or 'moisturizing' cleansers.

Common questions

What is TEA-Laneth-5 Sulfate in beauty products?

TEA-Laneth-5 Sulfate is a mild cleansing agent made from lanolin (wool wax) alcohols. It helps water and oil mix so that dirt and makeup rinse away easily. Because it's less harsh than many common sulfates, it's often used in gentler cleansers. However, since it's derived from lanolin, it can be comedogenic (pore-clogging) for some people, especially those with oily or acne-prone skin.

What does TEA-Laneth-5 Sulfate do in a beauty product?

It reduces the surface tension between water and oil, allowing oils and dirt to be lifted from the skin and rinsed away. Its lanolin base also provides some emollient properties, so it cleans without completely stripping the skin's natural oils.

Is TEA-Laneth-5 Sulfate safe for most people?

Generally safe for most skin types when used in rinse-off products. The main concerns are potential comedogenicity and lanolin allergy. Avoid if you have known sensitivities.

Who should be careful with TEA-Laneth-5 Sulfate?

Individuals with known lanolin allergy Acne-prone or oily skin types due to potential pore-clogging

Research sources

CosIng Database - TEA-Laneth-5 SulfateOpenPubMed - Lanolin allergy reviewOpenFDA - Cosmetic Ingredient ReviewOpen

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.