Laureth-9 is an emulsifier and a surfactant used in cosmetics and personal care products. The ingredients named, ‘laureth’, are polyoxyethers of lauryl alcohol. The number in the name indicates the average number of units of ethylene oxide in the molecule. Laureth-9 also exhibits anesthetic and anti-itch properties.
What is LAURETH-9 used for?
Laureth-9 works as an emulsifier and surfactant, particularly in shampoos and hair conditioners (rinse-off products) usually at a concentration of 4%. It is also used in leave-on products like face and body creams at a concentration of 3%. It relieves itching caused by eczema and dry skin due to its anti-itch properties.
Safety profile
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) finds Laureth-9 to be a safe ingredient for cosmetics. The Cosmetic Ingredients Review (CIR) expert panel has approved Laureth-9 for the use in cosmetics. The Scientific Committee on Consumer Products (SCCP) concluded that Laureth-9 has low toxicity and does not pose a risk to the consumer’s health when used up to 3% in leave-on and up to 4% in rinse-off cosmetic products. However, small amounts of 1,4-dioxane, a by-product of ethoxylation, may be found in the laureth ingredients, and the potential presence of it can be controlled through purification steps to remove it before blending Laureth-9 into cosmetic formulations.