Laureth-7 is a derivative of lauryl alcohol (a fatty alcohol derived from coconut oil). Its chemical formula is C26H54O8. It is used as an emulsifier, texture enhancer, cleanser, surfactant in personal care formulations.
What is LAURETH-7 used for?
Laureth-7 can be used as an emulsifier as it contains molecules that have at least 2 distinct sides, one side that is compatible with water, and one side that is compatible with oils or waxy materials. They are added to cosmetic products to enable the mix of non-mixable liquids to make them compatible and stable over time.
Laureth-7 as a surfactant is an organic compound which helps to reduce surface tension of substances to be mixed or emulsified. An example in cosmetics is the skin or hair cleansing property: water can be mixed with oil, sebum and dirt so that they can be rinsed away.
It is used in shampoo, conditioner, mask, skin creams, lotions.
Origin
Laureth-7 is a fatty alcohol derived from coconut oil. Laureth ingredients are produced by reacting ethylene oxide with lauryl alcohol and the number associated with the laureth, in this case, 7 - refers to the average number of repeating ethylene oxide units in the molecule.
Safety profile
Laureth-7 is determined as safe for use in cosmetics, subject to concentration or use limitations. However, since it is a polyethylene glycol-based surfactant, it may contain potentially toxic impurities such as 1,4-dioxane, ethylene oxide which are potential carcinogens.